LIFE AFTER
Filmmaker Reid Davenport‘s timely Sundance documentary LIFE AFTER is here to ask the big questions. Much like his film 2022 film, I DIDN’T SEE YOU THERE, Davenport’s personal lens overlaps with his subject as a person with cerebral palsy. Upon discovering an essay about a young woman named Elizabeth Bouvia, Davenport embarks on a journey to find this disability rights pioneer.
Archival footage of Elizabeth through the years is spliced between stories of people with similar feelings and fears, though each story is drastically different. Reid makes it clear at the beginning of the film. These are not black-and-white issues, and his intention is truth and connection. The confrontation of ableism is mind-blowing and vital. Reid Davenport’s charm and raw honesty are captivating, and those who choose to share their stories open our eyes. 
Canadian Bill C-7 allowed for the Right To Die. The expansion of MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) remains controversial. Davenport offers every angle of the process. This alone is an emotional roller-coaster, from perceived propaganda to Disability Rights Advocates, both for and against the legislation.
Cambridge, Ontario resident Michael Kaliszan was born with CP. After the death of his mother and primary caretaker, his quality of life plummeted as funds dried up and loneliness took hold. His attempts to access MAiD were fruitless. Through his months of trying, Davenport has revisited Michael, and a seed of hope for a sustainable and happy existence might be growing.
Michael Hickson‘s story of his post-coma brain and spinal cord complications comes from his wife, Melissa. Her struggle to attain better care for her husband led to a guardianship battle and, ultimately, his death. Melissa’s secret recordings of doctors back up her claims that staff encouraged Michael’s passing. 
Dr. Ramona Coelho speaks about the cost savings of moving forward with the passing of C-7. The film tackles the abuse of the law. Davenport interviews advocates who worry that this could be used as a justification tool to end the lives of disabled people, in other words, eugenics.
Elizabeth’s story is the catalyst for Davenport. It opens the door to so much more. Interviews with her family members and home videos reveal untold stories from her life, and the nuance will leave you breathless. LIFE AFTER skillfully tackles body autonomy, health rights, disability awareness, ableism, and capitalism. It is an incredibly important film and one hell of a conversation starter.
Remaining screenings of LIFE AFTER:
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Jan 30, 12:30 PM MST
Broadway Centre Cinemas – 6
Salt Lake City
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Jan 31, 6:00 PM MST
Holiday Village Cinemas – 1
Park City
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Jan 30, 10:00 AM EST –
Feb 3, 1:55 AM ESTOnline Screening
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In 1983, a disabled Californian woman named Elizabeth Bouvia sought the “right to die,” igniting a national debate about autonomy, dignity, and the value of disabled lives. After years of courtroom trials, Bouvia disappeared from public view. Disabled director Reid Davenport narrates this investigation of what happened to Bouvia.
- Year
2025
- Category
Feature
- Country
United States
- Language
English
- Run time
99 min
- Company
Multitude Films
- Website
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