Leading producer/distributor Fremantle has acquired the global distribution rights for Sisters Interrupted, a documentary feature described as offering an insightful look at the story of two sisters, one condition, and hundreds of years of stigma.
Filmed over three years by an all-female production team and directed by Caroline Sharp, Sisters Interrupted is a portrayal revealing the hidden world of epilepsy – a life-threatening seizure condition that affects 50 million people worldwide.
The documentary follows British sisters Chelsea and Tamsin Leyland as they both battle forms of epilepsy and together fight for access to a treatment that could save both their lives.
Chelsea lives in New York and has gained access to medical cannabis against her neurologist’s recommendations, resulting in her being seizure-free for six years. Across the Atlantic in the UK, her sister Tamsin often suffers up to 70 seizures a day and is resistant to every medication she has tried. She knows time is running out as she remains unable to access this innovative treatment through the UK health system.
Sisters Interrupted is produced by Captum Productions in association with Docsville Studios and directed by Caroline Sharp. The Producers are Sophie Daniel, Chelsea Leyland and Caroline Sharp. Fremantle is handling global distribution. The documentary will receive its UK premiere at Raindance Film Festival on 1 November 2023.
“Sisters Interrupted is a unique and beautifully shot film which we are thrilled to share with global buyers, we’re also very much looking forward to the UK festival premiere at Raindance,” said Angela Neillis, SVP non-scripted content, International at Fremantle said: “The film is a credit to the skilful filmmaking team at Captum Productions who are examining the condition of epilepsy like never before through the lens of two remarkable sisters.”
Caroline Sharp added: “Film has the power to bring issues out of the shadows and change perception and attitudes just by raising awareness. Epilepsy is a condition suffered by over 50 million people worldwide, and yet it is highly stigmatised. The effect is profound, on both those with the condition and their families. We hope that this intimate portrait will move people and serve as a catalyst for positive social and institutional change. These are real people, who we love, and we fight for.”
The documentary follows British sisters Chelsea and Tamsin Leyland as they both battle forms of epilepsy and together fight for access to a treatment that could save both their lives.
Chelsea lives in New York and has gained access to medical cannabis against her neurologist’s recommendations, resulting in her being seizure-free for six years. Across the Atlantic in the UK, her sister Tamsin often suffers up to 70 seizures a day and is resistant to every medication she has tried. She knows time is running out as she remains unable to access this innovative treatment through the UK health system.
Sisters Interrupted is produced by Captum Productions in association with Docsville Studios and directed by Caroline Sharp. The Producers are Sophie Daniel, Chelsea Leyland and Caroline Sharp. Fremantle is handling global distribution. The documentary will receive its UK premiere at Raindance Film Festival on 1 November 2023.
“Sisters Interrupted is a unique and beautifully shot film which we are thrilled to share with global buyers, we’re also very much looking forward to the UK festival premiere at Raindance,” said Angela Neillis, SVP non-scripted content, International at Fremantle said: “The film is a credit to the skilful filmmaking team at Captum Productions who are examining the condition of epilepsy like never before through the lens of two remarkable sisters.”
Caroline Sharp added: “Film has the power to bring issues out of the shadows and change perception and attitudes just by raising awareness. Epilepsy is a condition suffered by over 50 million people worldwide, and yet it is highly stigmatised. The effect is profound, on both those with the condition and their families. We hope that this intimate portrait will move people and serve as a catalyst for positive social and institutional change. These are real people, who we love, and we fight for.”
