The Act of Dying

Dying is the most universal of experiences and yet we as a society, don’t do it particularly well. Statistically, most of us will die in retirement homes with little agency over the way we’ll die. The Act of Dying portrays dying honestly and openly, from the point of view of actor Ian Smith as he struggles with a terminal lung cancer diagnosis and the prospect of a painful and undignified death, as befell the love of his life, his late wife Gail. To avoid the same fate, Ian chooses recently legalised Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) as an act control over the terror of the unknown. Though VAD enjoys over 80% community support across Australia, it remains a subject, along with mortality generally, most prefer to avoid. And regardless of the widespread community support, the idea of exercising agency over death remains a contentious issue. Many Faith based health care such as Catholic Church run hospitals, vehemently oppose VAD thus pose present danger to their patients who choose VAD.

Our impact vision is to honour Ian’s personal motivations and lived experience while contributing meaningfully to public understanding and sector dialogue around End of Life choices. An experienced Impact Producer has been engaged from development to align the film’s themes with its real-world potential post release.

Our early impact approach focuses on building relationships with relevant partners across the End of Life sector who may help shape story elements throughout production, post, and release. In preparing for release, we hope these partners can assist in the development of tailored resources, build impact driven audiences, and guide the design of an impact rollout that supports awareness, conversation, and access to what can be a ethically complex, personal issue.

This project is shaped by the evolving story of Ian Smith. Through an intimate lens, the film follows a much-loved Australian icon as he faces the personal and institutional challenges of confronting mortality and seeking agency over his death. It asks: What is a good death? Can choice bring peace amidst the chaos of terminal illness? How does it impact those closest to him? And if Ian chooses assisted dying, what does it mean to face the life-ending medication?

We aim for the film and associated resources to support systemic change across government, health and palliative care sectors; demystifying end-of-life processes, encouraging more doctors to engage in conversations about VAD, and highlight the importance of supporting dignity in death across all clinical and care environments.

Ian has granted the filmmakers unique access to his life, home, health, family and career.

We have been closely connected with End of life organisations since the films conception, who continue to provide ongoing support to the production.

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