Films Specially Selected For
BIFF CARES 2024
Sponsored by:
For 2024, BIFF has put together a group of films that celebrate veterans, physicians, and those who, despite their born frailties, refuse to let that get in the way of their zest for life.
Once again, BIFF welcomes Nicholas Stange and his students from Harlem High School in Machesney Park, IL. Their amazing Harlem Veterans Project , which pairs students with veterans of foreign wars to make powerful documentary films that deal with a wide variety of experiences connected to vets, their families, their struggles, and their triumphs.
This year BIFF filmgoers will be treated to two such films that will both move and educate in unique and entertaining ways. Here is some info regarding those films…
A documentary about Cathy Powers, a gold star mother who started running to remember the veterans who served our country. She runs to honor her son, Senior Airman (SrA) Bryce Powers. Along her running journey, Cathy meets veterans from around the country, letting them know they are loved and remembered for their service. With the help of Wreaths Across America, Cathy has run over a thousand miles within all 50 states, as well as raising 11,215 wreath sponsorships for Arlington National Cemetery.
Directed By:
Lauren Johnson
This is the story of how three Serbians found the courage to share their experience immigrating to Rockford, Illinois during the Yugoslavian War. They have chosen to share their stories not to just speak for themselves, but also to speak for the unspoken.
Directed By:
Marko Skakavac
In addition to the Harlem Vets films, BIFF CARES will include three wonderful documentaries that embody the spirit of the BIFF CARES tradition. One deals with the plight of our rural physicians, one is a beautiful story of a family’s experience with an autistic child, and one is a touching story of friendship in the face of addiction that includes the popular film and TV star, Jon Cryer.
For the past 15 years, Dr. Karen Kinsell, a compassionate, yet no-nonsense physician, has been the only doctor in Clay County, Georgia, a rural region along the Georgia-Alabama border, and one of the poorest counties in the nation. After working without pay for several years, Dr. Kinsell can no longer afford to volunteer full time and may close her clinic.
Knowing all too well that she’s the only healthcare provider for many residents, she begins a journey of twists and turns towards a solution so that she can continue serving her patients in Clay County. A prayer-answering partnership with a medical school appears, but a difference in motives places it at risk.
Then Covid-19 arrives, adding additional strain upon her medical practice and her patients’ health. But amidst the uncertainty, unexpected opportunities arise, providing Dr. Kinsell and her patients with answered prayers and the ability to fight another day.
Directed By:
Matthew Hashiguchi
When Beth’s son Evan James was diagnosed with Autism in the early 90s, treatment options were limited. Doctors offered no practical advice for daily living and advised Beth to limit his social interactions. Rejecting these notions, Beth sets out to provide her son with a life filled with purpose and friendship. This heartfelt film is a sweet testament to the power of love and community by following a determined mom advocating for her son.
Directed By:
Alexander Jeffery
‘David Again’ tells the story of David Dennis, his road to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, and his lifelong friendship with actor Jon Cryer. It is a story about redemption, the power of friendship, and the promise that it is never too late to ask for help.
Directed By:
Adam Elliott
Films Specially Selected For
BIFF CARES 2024
Sponsored By:
A documentary about Cathy Powers, a gold star mother who started running to remember the veterans who served our country. She runs to honor her son, Senior Airman (SrA) Bryce Powers. Along her running journey, Cathy meets veterans from around the country, letting them know they are loved and remembered for their service. With the help of Wreaths Across America, Cathy has run over a thousand miles within all 50 states, as well as raising 11,215 wreath sponsorships for Arlington National Cemetery.
Directed By:
Lauren Johnson
This is the story of how three Serbians found the courage to share their experience immigrating to Rockford, Illinois during the Yugoslavian War. They have chosen to share their stories not to just speak for themselves, but also to speak for the unspoken.
Directed By:
Marko Skakavac
In addition to the Harlem Vets films, BIFF CARES will include three wonderful documentaries that embody the spirit of the BIFF CARES tradition. One deals with the plight of our rural physicians, one is a beautiful story of a family’s experience with an autistic child, and one is a touching story of friendship in the face of addiction that includes the popular film and TV star, Jon Cryer.
For the past 15 years, Dr. Karen Kinsell, a compassionate, yet no-nonsense physician, has been the only doctor in Clay County, Georgia, a rural region along the Georgia-Alabama border, and one of the poorest counties in the nation. After working without pay for several years, Dr. Kinsell can no longer afford to volunteer full time and may close her clinic.
Knowing all too well that she’s the only healthcare provider for many residents, she begins a journey of twists and turns towards a solution so that she can continue serving her patients in Clay County. A prayer-answering partnership with a medical school appears, but a difference in motives places it at risk.
Then Covid-19 arrives, adding additional strain upon her medical practice and her patients’ health. But amidst the uncertainty, unexpected opportunities arise, providing Dr. Kinsell and her patients with answered prayers and the ability to fight another day.
Directed By:
Matthew Hashiguchi
When Beth’s son Evan James was diagnosed with Autism in the early 90s, treatment options were limited. Doctors offered no practical advice for daily living and advised Beth to limit his social interactions. Rejecting these notions, Beth sets out to provide her son with a life filled with purpose and friendship. This heartfelt film is a sweet testament to the power of love and community by following a determined mom advocating for her son.
Directed By:
Alexander Jeffery
‘David Again’ tells the story of David Dennis, his road to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, and his lifelong friendship with actor Jon Cryer. It is a story about redemption, the power of friendship, and the promise that it is never too late to ask for help.
Directed By:
Adam Elliott
