Come Die With Me

Australia is the latest country to legalise VAD. Many believe it is a basic human right. But this is hotly debated. Supporters argue it is the compassionate answer to insoluble pain, suffering and indignity when faced with terminal illness. Arguments against VAD are that it may place pressure on people to end their lives, to reduce the burden on their family or the health system and that it goes against the sanctity of life.

Imagine a world where death is discussed like sporting results or recipes. In COME DIE WITH ME two remarkable Australians, who have lived lives of community service, choose to be trail blazers in death. With only a fraction of us dying in our sleep, the film will kick start conversations on how we wish to die, especially when faced with a terminal diagnosis. While demystifying the process of Voluntary Assisted Dying, it also shows how we can bring life, joy and laughter into our dying days. Australia is amongst the most recent countries to legalise VAD. Each state has its own rules, and VAD is still hotly debated. Many believe that it shouldn’t have been legalised at all, and this includes many medical practitioners. Others believe that the strict VOD rules are too restrictive and should be eased including arguing that it should be offered to people who are facing illnesses such as neurological degenerative conditions such as Parkinsons, and also dementia.

We hope to attract as wide an audience as possible globally, and to engage with community. With only a fraction of us dying in our sleep, the show will facilitate conversations on how we wish to die, especially when faced with a terminal diagnosis. While demystifying the process of Voluntary Assisted dying, it also shows how we can bring life, joy and laughter into our dying days, and as illustrated by the stories of Randall and Ros.
We want to amplify the work of the NGOs who are working in the space of VAD. Given VAD is now legalised in all states and under review, we aim to amplify community discussion to see if the current legislation goes far enough. For the 2 Australian Territories who are yet to pass legislation, the documentary will help inform on-going debate.
As well as licensing to broadcast platforms, we aim to make the film available for Cinema on Demand whereby communities, including NGOs can hold their own screenings to facilitate on-going discussion and advocacy.

We have a working relationship with the former Chief of Staff to the WA Attorney General Colleen Egan who helped draft the WA legislation. We are in contact with the WA Health minister Amber Jade Sanderson and the NSW Health Department.
We have reached out to VAD advocacy and support groups, such as Go Gentle Australia and The Violet Initiative, and will be connecting with GriefLine, Dying with Dignity, Civil Liberty NGOs and The West Australian Voluntary Euthanasia Society.
Director Claire Forster has known both Randall and Ros. Claire forged a close bond with Randall after producing his Australian Story nearly 25 years ago and she has had ongoing contact with Ros Worthington who has been a mother figure to one of Claire’s best friends for decades. Both Randall and Ros have impacted many communities through their professional work, and these organisations are keen to assist in the release of this documentary.

Our calls to action will speak directly to the impact campaign we hope to produce with the key stakeholders involved. A potential CTA is “Live Well and Die Well”.