UNORTHODOCTOR

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological disease after dementia, with 150,000 Australians currently living with Parkinson’s Disease and a further 50 Australians diagnosed every day. Parkinson’s Disease impacts 1 million Australians and costs our economy $10 billion.

With 61% of Australia’s population living with a chronic, long-term health condition, our film aims to increase awareness of and understanding for how we cope. We offer a hopeful, positive perspective to those suffering from and impacted by chronic health issues like Parkinson’s Disease.

Through careful and light-hearted observation of our film’s main participant, Dr Jay, and his eccentric friends we will show that with strength of will, compassion, humour and patience, we can find optimism in even the darkest of times.

Long term, we would like to see an improvement in the health and wellbeing of people suffering from chronic illness, and a greater appreciation for alternative and complementary therapies. Our film seeks to educate and entertain; to touch people’s hearts and minds, to instil hope and motivate collective action.

As directors we have been close friends with Dr. Jay and his circle of friends for 30 years. This has provided us his consent to film and allowed us unobstructed access to his daily life and work. This close relationship has allowed us to capture intimate and sincere observational moments at a challenging time for Dr. Jay – essential material to realise our film’s narrative arc. Our deep familiarity with the coastal region of Victoria where Dr. Jay is based allows us to portray the frequently turbulent , always stunning environment.

We have identified and will be seeking partnerships with organisations that are active in Parkinson’s Disease research, emerging medical technology and clinical treatments.

We do not know what causes Parkinson’s Disease, and further research is required to understand the cause, triggers and how to best manage the symptoms.

Through Jay, we have an in-depth perspective on living with a chronic disease, reflecting how a ‘good life’ can look and feel. This is one perspective that may offer hope and direction to people, particularly men and their partners, experiencing chronic illness.