Documentary Production and Distribution News
Rett Syndrome, a woman’s disease most women have never heard of, will
be the focus of a documentary film screening and panel discussion. The award-winning
film RETT: THERE IS HOPE, which showcases the struggles of families living with
Rett Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder that strikes toddler girls, will
hold its Washington, D.C. premiere July 9th at 5:30 p.m. at the National Academies’
Keck Center, 500 Fifth St. N.W. Members of the public are invited to attend
the free screening, reception and panel discussion held with support from the
Institute of Medicine (IOM), an independent, nonprofit organization that provides
unbiased and authoritative advice to decision makers and the public about the
nation’s most pressing health and health care questions. The panel discussion following the screening will address the impact of rare
disease research on the broader community as well as NIH and industry translational
efforts. “The long-standing assumption that severe childhood neurological
disorders are beyond repair is collapsing, and Rett Syndrome research is a major
driver of this new perspective. Families all around the globe who love a child
with Rett Syndrome are encouraged and inspired by the current state of research.
Our girls are waiting for a cure – time is of the essence,” said
Coenraads. Panel discussants will feature: “It is quite fitting that this film centers on the girls and their families as the scientific community continues to learn tremendously from the patients. Rett Syndrome has played an immense role in my research since the mid 1980’s. It’s been gratifying to witness and be a part of the growing research momentum. I am optimistic that we will be able to dramatically improve the lives of girls and women who each day battle the effects of this debilitating disorder,” shares Zoghbi. The documentary was made with an all-volunteer effort led by award-winning filmmaker Jason Rem. “Our goal here is to educate D.C. individuals as well as media who can effect change on this debilitating disease. Through the panel discussion, we hope to highlight the issues and brilliant science that is leading to breakthroughs. It is vital that the public at large learns about and appreciates the importance of Rett Syndrome and the science which could lead to a cure,” said Rem. A reception for attendees will commence at 5:30 p.m.; the screening which starts
at 6:30 p.m. will be followed by a panel discussion and Q & A at 7:30 p.m.
To RSVP online please visit http://www.rsrt.org/screening.
To RSVP by phone or email or for more information please connect with the press
contacts below. Resources:
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