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We recently had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion following the October 22nd screening, at Vancouver's Pacific Cinematheque, of Heather Watson-Burgess's powerful documentary "At My Mother's Breast".
This film follows the relationship between Heather (27 years old) and her mother, a breast cancer survivor, through a particularly difficult time in their lives. She grew up waiting for her mother to get sick and when she would follow. She knew there were many other women out there in the same place including her cousins, nieces and aunts.
"I am the daughter of a woman with breast cancer, who is the daughter of a woman with breast cancer, who is the daughter of a woman with breast cancer..."
Interviews with the filmmaker and her family explore and highlight some of the emotions, thoughts and challenges so frequently experienced in families affected by breast cancer. As mothers, sisters and daughters, the women in this film provide a unique and honest glimpse into one family's experience with breast cancer over several generations.
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While the relevance of genetic testing to the filmmaker's family is not addressed, the strength of this film lies in her choice to portray the emotional impact of breast cancer on the remarkable women in her family, both individually and collectively.
This film is available on videocassette for loan through the BC Cancer Agency Library (1.888.685.8001, ext. 8001) or for purchase through the National Film Board of Canada.
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