This groundbreaking cancer research is at the heart of a new Focus Forward short, “Fire With Fire,” directed by Oscar-winning director Ross Kauffman (Born Into Brothels). The film revolves around the incredible and inspiring story of Emma Whitehead, a seven year-old leukemia patient who has been in full remission for months after scientists used Dr. June’s experimental treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Emma was the first pediatric patient in the trial, which aims to eradicate cancer by training a person’s own immune system to kill their cancer cells.
At first I was nervous that this was going to be solely a piece about a new technology,” said Kauffman. “Discovering Dr. June and his team’s emotional investment and personal drive to find a cure for cancer was, and continues to be, an inspiration. As soon as Emma’s story came to light, it was clear that this film would serve not just as a chronicle of a revolutionary therapy for leukemia, but a portrait of a caring team of doctors, alongside a courageous young girl, trying to overcome a terrible disease.”
“Fire With Fire” is helping spread awareness about what researchers believe could mark the beginning of a major advance in cancer treatment. The film, produced by DB Productions, a subsidiary of DeSantis Breindel, will world premiere on December 13, as part of a special event in the Dubai International Film Festival’s (DIFF) Forum.
About DB Productions
DB Productions, a subsidiary of DeSantis Breindel, is a full-service film production company with extensive experience serving a wide range of clients, corporations, foundations and not-for-profit organizations. From concept and storyboard through production, post-production and delivery, the DB Productions team shares a passion for communicating our clients’ most important messages to their most important audiences in compelling films.
About Focus Forward
Short Films, Big Ideas is a series of 30 three-minute nonfiction films, inspired by GE’s vision of innovative people being the catalyst for world change. Produced by leading documentary filmmakers, the films explore the incredible human power of ideas and invention and are screening at prestigious film festivals globally, followed by day-and-date distribution online to millions of viewers. To learn more, go to http://focusforwardfilms.com/
