Ben Tuller's "A New Way Home"

Tonight, my dear friend and classmate at King's College in Cambridge (go Camby-town!) Ben Tuller graced a group of about 200 of us with a private screening of his new film, "A New Way Home." I am so proud that someone, just a few years after getting a BA in Film Studies, could inspire, envision, create, and distribute such a meanful and beautiful film.

"A New Way Home" is a 40-minute documentary film describing George Mark Children's House and the stories of three families who have utilized the facilities in the final moments of their childrens' lives. George Mark is a children's hospice, the only one of its kind, which had to unfortunately shut its doors in March due to a lack of funding.

The film was incredibly moving, and there was not a dry eye in the house, not just because the subject matter was so utterly devastating, but because of Ben's taste and delicate style as a filmmaker. I say "delicate" meaning he wasn't heavy-handed with self-reflective stylistic/editing tactics like so many artsy amateur filmmakers. This was crucial to the delivery of the message; large film companies actually tried to make a film about George Mark and they were rejected, but since Ben had actually volunteered at the hospice and really cared about the patients and their families, he got the green light! And I'm so glad he did. His unpretentious portrayal of just the pure raw truth (with some artistic touches) made the film really resonate.

I cried the whole time. I don't know why I didn't pick up a pack of the tissues they provided at the door. Ben has submitted the film to several film festivals, and I strongly encourage everyone to see it. Yes, it's hard to watch in a way, but it's also a significant reminder that we have our health, we have our loved ones, we've been able to laugh, cry, love, and live through things like middle school, a Giants World Series victory, or even stupid things like parking tickets (I got one today).

So in conclusion, please see this film. Please support Ben Tuller, and most importantly, support George Mark and the families who truly rely on it and its staff. I will continue to post updates on the distribution and availability of this film. In the meantime, check out:

http://www.anewwayhomethemovie.com/

http://www.georgemark.org/

Ben, please feel free to comment/share your insights on this film (and please correct me if i messed up any details). Thanks again for an amazing film. I'm so proud of you!