This film offers a unique look of the deadly disease of anorexia. Emma, 18, filmed her own struggle and death. When she started filming herself, she knew the film would end one of two ways: either as a film about recovery from a low point, or about the devastation of anorexia because she would die. It became the latter. While Emma is the clear main speaker in this film, her parents, friends, doctors and therapists reflect on her life and death. The film is both heartbreaking and inspiring because Emma’s message echoes throughout: choose life while you can.
Emma wants to Live had a huge impact in its home country, the Netherlands. It broke records when it came to the number of viewers (1.1 million, 49% marketshare in ages 13-19) on a relatively small channel and it gently forced breakthroughs in the Dutch health care system. It was discussed in many talkshows and all national newspapers, credited for its integrity on such a sensitive subject.
In this up close and personal series, we follow four women battling four different types of eating disorder.
More infoNineteen-year-old Veda wants an assisted suicide. In Holland, this is legal. But first she must take part in nine months of therapy. We follow her story.
More infoA confronting look at the world of anorexics. Tessa and other sufferers open up to the cameras as we follow them through their treatment. They describe becoming addicted to pro-anorexia websites, being too weak to walk and how every day has become a battle for survival.
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