About Ethan Nahté
Location: Dallas
Occupation: Video & Film Producer/Director, Journalist, Titan Comics, Broadcast Coordinator
Bio: Began playing music in clubs @ the age of 13 while simultaneously getting published in school mags. Moved on to TV and has shot everything from naked women to wolves! He's traveled a 1/2 mile under the earth and a 1/2 mile above with his cameras! Currently working on a documentary, a book and attempts to sleep. LIVE'N'LOUD
Posts: 281
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A documentary on a debilitating communication disorder
Odds are that most people have heard of the term “a cappella,” which means “without instrumental accompaniment.” We hear vocalists, choral groups and carolers performing this way all of the time.
At the other end of the spectrum, we hear a band such as Europe naming a song that’s performed without vocal accompaniment “aphasia.”
But the word “aphasia” is unfortunately much more than an instrumental performance. It is a communication disorder, typically brought on by a stroke. It is the inability of someone who has suffered this debilitating attack to communicate properly. It affects their ability to speak, not allowing the words they want to use to come to mind… always on the tip of their tongue. They have a difficult time comprehending and sometimes even lose the ability to use words.
It also affects the way they understand others, making it difficult to organize thoughts, take direction or to participate in group conversations. This inability to communicate properly affects all aspects of their lives. Many sufferers withdraw from the public because it is too uncomfortable for them to try and interact. People who do not understand or know of the disorder may not realize that they have to be very patient with someone suffering from aphasia.
Inside Aphasia is a 22 minute documentary by producer/director Alin Bijan. It looks at the disorder through the eyes of a handful of victims. The documentary examines how aphasia has dramatically changed once active people such as a journalist, librarian and a law student, into individuals who lead lonely lives. Discussions with doctors and speech therapists are also included.
The interviews provide some great insight into this disorder and, along with the Amin Emam’s music, make you really feel for these people in the short time they are on screen.
Inside Aphasia is currently seeking distribution on a cable channel, which is the reason for what may seem like an odd running time. Once commercials are added to a TV program, 22 minutes is about the average time allowed during a 30 minute time slot. In the meantime, you can find out more about aphasia at www.aphasia.org. You can order the DVD by visiting www.MakingFilms.com.
