The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the “Healthcare vs. Healing” film series at the Mary Fisher Theatre, continuing Monday, Oct. 20 with a special screening of “Awakenings” at 4:00 p.m.
Good health drives our quality of life, and we look to Western healthcare systems to support our wellness goals. The “Healthcare vs. Healing” film series explores the amazing discoveries, the challenges of our healthcare system, the promise of medical technologies and the ancient and intriguing alternatives to modern healthcare.
Directed by Penny Marshall, and starring Robin Williams and Robert DeNiro, “Awakenings” tells the story of Dr. Malcom Sayer, a pioneering neurologist, who defies common medical practices to bring his patient out of a perpetual catatonic state. Speculating that their rigidity may be akin to an extreme form of Parkinsonism, he seeks permission from his skeptical superiors to treat them with L-dopa, a drug that was used to treat Parkinson's disease at the time.
“Awakenings” was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.