MEDIA KIT

January 2020

28345 Beck Rd., Ste. 404 • Wixom, MI • 248-869-0096 • www.v-prod.com

Eleven-time Emmy Award winning Visionalist Entertainment Productions was established in 2004 by Producer /Director Keith Famie. Since these early years, Famie and his VEP team have produced a wide range of primetime programs.

A Day in the Life of Elijah (2018) Public/Curren Affairs

Enlisted (2018)Editor-Program

A Day in the Life of Elijah (2018)Education Schools

Those on the Front Lines of Alzheimer's and Dementia (2019) Documentary-Topical

The Embrace of Dying (2018)Editor-Program Death is NOT the Answer (2016) Public/Current/Community Affairs Director-Non-Live A Day in the Life of Elijah (2018) Public/Current Affairs

Enlisted (2018)Documentary-Topical

A Day in the Life of Elijah (2018)Education Schools

2015 - The Association for Women in Communications - Detroit Chapter - Diamond Award (Keith Famie)

2016 - Royal Starr Film Festival - Best Documentary- Second Runner Up-Mp Maire’s Journey

2017 - Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit Media Award

43 Annual MCA-I Media Festival- Bronze Reel- One Soldier’s Story

DOCUMENTARIES

Taste of Taiwan (2006)On-Camera Talent – Keith Famie Our Italian Story (2006)Human Interest Special & Best Director Our Polish Story (2007) Our Greek Story (2007)Best Cultural DocumentaryBest Human Interest Program Special Our Arab American Story (2007)Societal Concerns Program Special Our India Story (2008)Best Documentary Cultural Detroit: Our Greatest Generation (2009)Editor/Program Our Vietnam Generation (2011)Documentary Historical

The Embrace of Aging: The female perspective of growing old Director – Post – Production

COMING IN 2019Those on the Front Lines of Cancer: Can the uncommon journey that cancer patients undergo result in anything positive? October 2019

Blessed Solanus Casey’s Journey to Sainthood: We delve deep into who the man in the habit was and what this will mean to the Motorcity and the world. December 2019

Ice Warriors: An action-packed journey with the Red Wings Alumni team through Russia

Our Italian Story: Progress, passion and promise – Detroit’s Italian heritage

Our Arab American Story: Reverence, resourcefulness and respect, - Detroit’s Arab American Heritage

Our Greek Story: Antiquity, modernity, and destiny-Detroit’s Greek Heritage

Our Polish Story: Family, faith and fortitude-Detroit’s Polish Heritage

Our India Story: Amity, diversity and sovereignty- Detroit’s Indian Heritage

Can you see how I see? : An inspiring look into the life of those in our society who are without sight

Detroit: Our Greatest Generation: A tribute to our Michigan WWII veterans, both men and women, who fought for the freedom of our families and our country

Our Vietnam Generation: A long overdue welcome home to the men and women who served during Vietnam

One Soldier’s Story: the profound story of Sgt. Michael Ingram, Jr. and his legacy

The Embrace of Aging: 13-part series on women and 7-part series on men

The Embrace of Dying: 8-part series on how we deal with the end of life

Maire’s Journey: Follow Maire Kent as she sets sail on an epic journey to fulfill her dying wish

Death is NOT the Answer: A deep look into the complex world of depression and suicide

Enlisted: Choice. Adventure. Growth. Why would one decide to enlist?

Those on the Front Lines of Alzheimer’s & Dementia: What can be done to stop this truly devastating disease?

MICHIGAN EMMY AWARD WINNERS

EMMY AWARD NOMINATIONS VISIONALIST ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTIONS

Maire’s Journey Festival Awards

Visionalist Entertainment Productions www.v-prod.com

Keith Famie Director/Producer

Director/Producer Keith Famie was, for many years, known as a celebrity chef and a metro Detroit restaurateur. He was selected as one of America's "Best New Chefs" in 1989 by Food and Wine magazine; Esquire Magazine chose his restaurants as “Best New Restaurant” in America on two separate occasions. Famie was also a finalist on the 2001 reality television series, "Survivor, the Australian Outback." Keith hosted his own Food Network series, "Keith Famie's Adventures," traveling the world documenting cooking styles from the plains of Africa to monk monasteries of Taiwan, to the lifestyle of Key West. In 2004, the Adventure Chef embarked on a new journey - documentary filmmaking. "I didn't want to be the 'Adventure Chef' guy anymore. I wanted to help people tell their stories."

Since that life-changing decision, Famie has been awarded eleven Michigan Emmys and been nominated several other times for his rich, human-interest storytelling, from ethnic documentaries to military tribute films. He and his team at Visionalist Entertainment Productions create informative, entertaining films that touch a wide audience. In 2013, Keith produced a seven-part series called "The Embrace of Aging, the male perspective of growing old," which aired on PBS Detroit in 2013. And in 2015, Famie received his 11th Emmy for "The Embrace of Aging, the female perspective of growing old," the second 13-part film series in this trilogy. In 2016,Visionalist Entertainment launched the eight part series “The Embrace of Dying” how we deal with the end of life on DPTV/ PBS. "Maire's Journey,” was completed after almost three years, a touching story about a 24-year-old cancer patient and the amazing journey she made in her afterlife. The film toured several film festivals. In November of that year, a two-hour film titled "Death Is Not the Answer," which looks at the complicated and emotional subject of depression and suicide, aired on DPTV/PBS in December 2016 and was nominated for two Michigan Emmys. In 2017, Famie and his team at Visionalist Entertainment debuted a short 18-minute film “A day in the life of Elijah.” The audience steps into the life of the 6'3" 17-year-old Elijah Craft from Detroit who shares his quest to learn to read as a senior in High school after being tested to find out he was at a third-grade reading level. Elijah' s love for his mother and dedication to better himself is heartwarming and inspirational. This was awarded the Merit Award at the Global Shorts International film festival in Los Angeles. Famie and team also debuted on DPTV/PBS “Enlisted” which explores the reasons why young people join the military. 2018 was a productive year at Visionalist Entertainment Productions with the release on PBS of “Those on the Front Lines of Alzheimer’s & Dementia”, which was nominated for a Michigan Emmy the following year. In the Fall of 2019, Keith and his team released “Those on the Front Lines of Cancer” followed by a winter release of “Blessed Solanus Casey’s Journey to Sainthood”. Also released in 2019 is Keith’s new book Living Through the Lens, http://www.keithfamie.com/. 2020 is off to a busy start with production plans underway for two documentaries including “Walk the Walk: Detroit’s youth’s side of the story” and “My Life’s Purpose”. For more information, please visit https://www.v-prod.com/. Outside of documentary production, Keith is involved in many charitable projects. In 2015, he was awarded the 2015 Diamond Award by the Association for Women in Communications Detroit Chapter. In 2017, Keith was presented the Media Award by the Gilda’s Club of Metro Detroit. Over the years, Keith has been actively involved in several well-respected, Michigan-based 501(c)(3) organizations that support everything from children with cancer and hunger relief to veterans’ issues.

Visionalist Entertainment Productions

The beloved comedian Gilda Radner put it best when she quipped, “Cancer gave me a membership in an elite club I’d rather not belong to.” ‘The Big C’ has been evoking fear in those on the receiving-end of the diagnosis since medicine began. Hippocrates is responsible for the name, believing that the finger-like spread of the disease resembled a crab; also the origin of the Zodiac sign. Roman physician Celsus used the term “oncos” to describe a tumor, forming the root of our present-day word ‘oncology’. Emmy award-winning Director and Producer Keith Famie is in the final stages of “Those on the Front Lines of Cancer”, giving a voice to those who are in the midst of a terrifying journey. The film will explore nationally recognized medical professionals in the trenches searching for a cure or new progressive treatments as well as looking at natural sources to beating this devastating disease. An in-depth look will be taken as to how lifestyle changes and discipline can affect what might otherwise be a genetic roll of the dice. Media personality and WOMC morning radio host JoAnne Purtan will host the Detroit Public Television/PBS three-hour special; the first hour of the documentary will air on October 10th, 2019 from 9pm-10pm followed by the remaining two hours on October 17th, 2019 from 9pm-11pm. To see the website for the film, learn about current supporters, and watch the complete trailer please go to:

http://ontodaysfrontlines.com/cancer https://www.facebook.com/thoseonthefrontlinesofcancer/

We would like to thank our Executive Producers who have helped make this film possible:

Sky Foundation, Inc., Warren & Carol Ann Rose, John & Carole Kulhavi, Tony & Mary Schimizzi and Jack & Annette Aronson.

Praise for Those on the Front Lines of Cancer CANCER. Uncertainty leads to despair. Then a flicker of hope. Maybe I can find meaning. A person to nurture me. Someone to understand. Can I still be me? Who can help? I’m so alone. Those on the Front Lines of Cancer provides inspiration and hope. Healing and touch. A spiritual guide for those who look for direction. You will not be alone when you embrace the good in people. This is the true meaning of “front lines”; helping both those in need as well as the caregivers. Smiling and crying, together. Then there is hope.

– Howard R. Terebelo, DO, FACP | Fellowship Director Hematology/Oncology - Providence Cancer Institute

Keith Famie has created an inspiring documentary that puts faces to the word cancer while informing the public of the multi-dimensional opportunities of support and hope. His beautiful work puts a lens on the cellular aberrations that comprise this killer disease while showing the great strides made in the medical world. Most importantly, Keith highlights the great heroic response of the individuals and families who create a resilience based upon hope, love and faith. His masterful work is ultimately a tribute to the human condition.

- Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg | Founder & Global Director – Kids Kicking Cancer

Cancer does not discriminate; it doesn’t know the color of your skin, your religion, your wealth, or who you are as a person. This film by Keith Famie is so important to bring to light to all aspects of the cancer patient and their journey. I’m so proud to have been a small part of this work. I hope these brave men and women can provide inspiration to the viewers as they do for me every day.

- Eric A. Brown, MO, FACS | Assistant Professor of Surgery – Oakland University William Beaumont

The very word cancer is one of shock, worry, distress and even grief. But so much hope can come out of the stunned silence. Those on the Front Lines of Cancer is a film full of so much strength, caring and understanding to patients and their families. With grace and dignity, Those on the Front Lines of Cancer helps to inspire us, showing rising through the pain to a world where we can have comfort and optimism again. We can find ways to keep moving forward through crying, laughing, loving and smiling. Thank you for sharing the stories of those on this journey, with their unique and brave beauty and delicate resilience.

- Carolyn Striho | Detroit Musician, Singer/Songwriter, Performer, Writer & Educator

Those on the Front Lines of Cancer is a transparent and raw look at the path cancer places on us. The complexities of cancer requires wrap-around services and cutting edge science. It also requires compassion. Keith Famie brings warmth and understanding in this important film.

- Laura Varon Brown | Executive Director & CEO – Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit Most people have had their lives touched in some way by cancer. Those on the Front Lines of Cancer educates and inspires the audience. It gives hope to those who many have placed a stigma on cancer as a death sentence. This film should be shared far and wide to give people who are on all sides of this disease the direction and comfort they deserve.

- Billy Whitehouse | Director – Royal Starr Art Institute

Keith Famie’s documentary is an innovative look at an age-old disease. Those on the Front Lines of Cancer opens our eyes to a fresh cancer landscape, one filled with new ideas and hope for the future. It’s so important to shed light on issues like financial toxicity, as well as the success of patients like our son, whose treatment protocol for glioblastoma is breaking the rules and beating the odds. This is the kind of energy and encouragement needed to empower doctors to pursue new paths and creative solutions, as well as fueling patients to better advocate for themselves in the process.

- Gina Kell Spehn | Co-Founder – New Day Foundation for Families

After nearly 30 years of working in and around television, I believe the true test of the power of the medium is when a program can stay with you – making you think and reflect for days, even weeks, after having watched it. Those rare programs are true experiences for the viewer. Those on the Front Lines of Cancer falls into that rare category. Cancer has affected all of our families, but the only way to truly understand this disease and its impact on our society is to experience this documentary. The more it is accessible to viewers, the more necessary understanding we’ll have in this country.

- Matt Friedman | Co-Founder, Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications

Those on the Front Lines of Cancer takes a real-life look at the impact cancer has on so many in our society today. Producer Keith Famie created this documentary in a story-telling format, sharing real life journeys of patients, doctors and their support networks in the community. This must-see educational program confronts an illness in a way that allows one to put away personal fears to better understand a complex disease.

- George Miller | Executive Director – The Rainbow Connection I am a 12 year survivor of pancreatic cancer and dedicated to raising awareness of this daunting disease. The researchers are making progress and soon there will be a breakthrough. It was most important that pancreatic cancer was included in this incredible and informative documentary, Those on the Front Lines of Cancer.

- Sheila Sky Kasselman | Founder – Sky Foundation, Inc.

I believe that this documentary is important for all those to see because cancer is often glamorized and people who do not see it regularly do not see the truth behind this horrible disease. Those who have not seen it or experience it first-hand don’t know how demanding the diagnosis is – I didn’t until it happened to me. The knowledge that can be gained from Those on the Front Lines of Cancer is astronomical and it can be a reason that others lend a hand I the support of fighting this disease both mentally and physically.

- Megan Ritz | Medullablastoma Cancer Patient

I urge every person who has OR has not personally dealt with some form of cancer to watch this amazing film. It provides an astonishing amount of information in a very “easy to understand” and gentle way. Cancer is an equal opportunity disease and no one is immune – including me! Don’t miss the opportunity to watch and learn from Those on the Front Lines of Cancer.

- Sue Marx | Academy Award Winning Producer; Founder – Urban Communications Group

This incredible film shines an honest light on the stories of individuals and families impacted by cancer. With perspectives from survivors, families, caregivers and medical professionals, it gives the viewer a 360 degree view of the incredible bravery and commitment that so many are devoting to fight this horrible disease.

- Nicole R. Christians, CFP, CRPC | Managing Director, Wealth Management Advisor – Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Keith Famie has produced a very impressive documentary which encompasses all aspects of the topic of cancer – causes, treatments, patient stories and the impact on their lives, the healthcare providers and community organizations that help patients and their families through difficult times. Anyone who watches Those on the Front Lines of Cancer will be moved by its powerful message and left with both tears in their eyes and a smile on their face. A truly great piece of journalism and filmmaking which will educate and help anyone impacted directly or indirectly by cancer.

- Jeffrey W. Taub, MD | Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Chief of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Michigan

Keith Famie masterfully combines emotional storytelling with facts about the various types of cancers, treatments available and financial obstacles families often face. His film is a must-see for anyone who has been touched my this dreadful disease.

- JoAnne Purtan | Morning host at WOMC-FM radio

Cancer is something I feel we all fear, and it is also something that we all experience in our lives one way or another. Those on the Front Lines of Cancer tells the story of what so many friends and family members have experienced, gained, and also lost on their journey. This film, directed by Keith Famie, is a brilliant look into how cancer has changed our world and also tells the more meaningful message – that no one fights cancer alone.

- Andrew McNeil | Firefighter/EMT Rescue

Those on the Front Lines of Cancer offers an intimate perspective of cancer by illustrating the journey ad experiences that become your reality once you are diagnosed with cancer. Keith does an outstanding job addressing cancer from multiple angles; from the financial toxicity to the taboo use of marijuana. Cancer evokes fear, fear of the unknown. This film helps to bring light to some of the unknown. The film highlights people quite literally on the front lines, who are working daily to combat cancer. From physicians and pathologists, to researchers and organizations, it is inspiring to learn of real people working on real projects; all with the common goal of putting an end to this awful disease.

- Carolyn Zichichi | Breast cancer survivor

Award-winning documentarian Keith Famie is known for addressing difficult topics from Alzheimer’s to suicide. Those on the Front Lines of Cancer is no exception. As with many of Famie’s documentaries, this film addresses not only the importance of education and awareness but also the necessary mindfulness of hope and how our lifestyle choices may play an important role in avoidance. It takes a unique combination of empathy and grit to explore these painful issues. Thankfully, Famie is up to the challenge, focusing his lens on a pervasive disease that touches us all.

- Diane Decillis | Award-Winning Author of Strings Attached

Almost2millionpeoplewillbenewlydiagnosedwithcancerthisyear,andalmost607,000peoplewilldiefromthedisease,accordingtostatisticsfromtheAmericanCancerSociety.

LocalproduceranddirectorKeithFamiewantedtoknowwhatMichiganoncologists,aswellasoncologicalcliniciansandresearchersfromacrossthecountry,aredoingtocombatadiseasethatinstantlybringsupheavaltoaperson’slifeandthelivesoftheirlovedones.

“Cancerisfrightening,”hesaid.“It’sthisbeastwiththeabilitytomorphitself.Itmakesitsodifficultforoncologists(totreat)becauseithastheabilitytochangeitself.”

Famie,withthecooperationofapproximately100people,includingJewishdoctors,patientsandleadersofcancer-focusedserviceorganizationsfromMetroDetroit,willreleasethethree-hourdocumentary,ThoseontheFrontLinesofCancer,thismonth.

ThefulldocumentarywillaironDetroitPublicTelevision/PBS,Channel56,inDetroitwiththefirsthourshowingfrom9-10p.m.Thursday,Oct.10,andtheremainingtwohoursfrom9-11p.m.Thursday,Oct.17.

Thedocumentary,producedbyFamie’sVisionalistEntertainmentProductionscompany,isbrokeninto21segmentsthatincludealookatspecificcancerslikebreastcancer,bloodcancer,prostatecancerandchildhoodcancersaswellassegmentsonprecisionmedicine,communityorganizationsthatservethosewithcancer,theissueofopioidsandmarijuanainallayingcancersymptomsandfinancialtoxicityrelatedtopayingforcancercare,amongothersubjects.

“Inhavingspenttimewithsomeofthesecancerresearchers,[I’velearnedthat]alotofushavecausedourownproblemsandnowwe’repayingtheprice,”Famiesaid.“Howdowegetbacktosomeofthebasics?Howdoweavoidcancer?Whatcanwedofromalifestylestandpointtostackthedecksinourfavor?

“Iwantedtoaddressalotofcomplexissuesbuttogivepeoplepracticaladvice,”hesaid.Famieandhisproductioncrewspenttwoyearsmakingthedocumentaryandjustrecentlyfinishedfilming.

FamiepreviouslyproducedadocumentaryaboutAlzheimer’sdiseaseanddementia,andthoseonthefrontlinesofbattlingthosediseases,amongotherhealth-relateddocumentaries.

“Iaskedmyself,whatarethediseasesthattakeyououtofthegameoflife?IlostmyfathertoAlzheimer’s,”Famiesaid.“Thenaturalonetogravitateto[next]iscancer.”

FamieinterviewedoncologistsandcancerresearchersfromtheUniversityofMichigan,Children’sHospitalofMichiganinDetroit,HenryFordHealthSystem,BeaumontHealth,AscensionProvidenceHospitalandtheBarbaraAnnKarmanosCancerInstitute,inadditiontoexpertsfromhospitalsandhealthorganizationacrossthecountry.

Heandhiscrewsalsofilmedabout25peoplewhohaveexperiencedcancerthemselvesandsharetheirstories.

SheilaSkyKasselman,headoftheSkyFoundation,whichraisesmoneyforpancreaticcancerawarenessandresearch,isoneofthefilm’sproducersandstars.Kasselmanwasdiagnosedwithpancreaticcancerin2007,andsaidsheneverexpectedtobepartofsuchaproject.

“FewofuswithpancreaticcancerliveforalongtimeandI’ma12-yearsurvivor,”shesaid.“IhadwhatisknownasWhipplesurgery(anoperationtoremovetheheadofthepancreas,thefirstpartofthesmallintestine,thegallbladderandthebileduct).Isurvivedit,butitleavesamark.I’m79yearsoldandIdoeverything.I’mverybusy.”

Kasselmansaidit’sherhopethatbysupportingthefilm,aswellasappearinginitasacancersurvivor,itwilleducatepeopleabouttough-to-treatpancreaticcancer.

“Iwassopleasedandhappythatwewouldhavepancreaticcanceraspartofthefilm,”shesaid.“Itwillbringawarenessofthediseaseand,hopefully,itwillbringhope.”

KidsKickingCancer,aglobalorganizationfoundedbyRabbiElimelechGoldberg,alsoknownasRabbiG,isalsofeaturedinFamie’sdocumentary.GoldbergisalsoaclinicalassistantprofessorintheDepartmentofPediatricsatWayneStateUniversitySchoolofMedicineinDetroit.TheSouthfield-basedorganizationhelpschildrencopewiththepainandfearoftheircancerdiagnosesthroughmeditationandmartialartsmoves.

“It’simportantforpeopletounderstandthatcancerisaverytreatabledisease,”saidRabbiG,wholostayoungdaughtertocancer.“Thepowerofthemindtranscendspainandfearandangerassociatedwiththediagnosisofcancer.Welearnwedon’thavetobedefinedbythedisease.”

RabbiGsaidthechildrenwhotookpartinthefilmingwerethrilledtobepartoftheproject.

“Wealwaystellthechildrentheyareteachingtheworld,”hesaid.“Whenpeoplefilmthechildren,itjustre-emphasizestheyareteachingtheworld.Theyarepowerfulmartialartsteachers.”

Famiehopesthatpeopletakefromthedocumentaryasenseofempowermentabouttheirownhealthandthebelieftheycantakeproactivemeasurestothwartacancerdiagnosis.

“Stayingontopofmaintenanceofyourbodyisimportant,”Famiesaid.“Howweliveourlifetodaydetermineshowwelivetomorrow.Youreallyhavetobeyourownadvocate.”Inhearingotherpeople’sstoriesabouttheirexperiencewithcancer,Famiebelievesthefilmwillhaveadeepemotionalresonancewithhisaudiences.

“Myapproachhasalwaysbeentounderstandthestoryofthejourneythatsomeoneison,”he

said.“Nothingismorerewardingthansomeonesaying,‘This(documentary)helpedmegoseethedoctor.It’staughtmetobemoreproactiveabouthowtolivelife.’”

TolearnmoreaboutThoseontheFrontLinesofCancer,visitontodaysfrontline.com/cancer.

“Those on the Front Lines of Cancer,”

a new three-hour documentary

produced and directed by Keith Famie

for Detroit Public Television/PBS, will

premier Oct. 2 at the Emagine Theater

in Royal Oak with a special showing for

community leaders.

The premier of the film, produced by

Famie’s Visionalist Entertainment

Productions in Wixom, will feature an

80-minute cut from the upcoming

debut broadcast. The film will be hosted on PBS by JoAnne Purtan, morning host at WOMC-FM

radio and a longtime Detroit television reporter and anchor.

“Cancer affects all of us in one way or another,” says Purtan. “I watched both my mom and mother-

in-law battle ovarian cancer for years, and currently have friends facing their own cancer journey.

This film provides hope, hope for new treatments on the horizon and hope for alleviating the

financial toxicity that often accompanies a diagnosis. What an honor it is to work with Keith Famie

and to be a part of such an important project.”

Nearly two years in the making, the documentary features heartfelt stories and several well-known

medical professionals, both local and national. Working in the trenches with these professionals,

Famie explores the latest medical advances as well as body, mind, and spirit approaches and how

lifestyle changes and disciplines can affect what may otherwise be a genetic roll of the dice.

“Cancer – this word evokes fear into anyone who hears a doctor use it in the context of a checkup,”

says Famie. “I truly wanted to explore where we are with treatments and research as well as

better understand how lifestyle can impact our long-term health to possibly avoid a cancer

diagnosis. Most importantly, I wanted to give a voice to those on a cancer journey – enabling

these unsung heroes of the film to teach us about strength, courage, faith, and the drive to

overcome this devastating disease.”

In addition to leading medical professionals, Famie and his team worked with many local

organizations including Sky Foundation, Artichoke Garlic Foundation, Gilda’s Club, Heart to Heart

Hospice, Kids Kicking Cancer, Kids Without Cancer, Mission of Hope Cancer Fund, New Day

Foundation for Families, Rainbow Connection, The Pink Fund, Wrapped in Love, and Wish Upon a

Teen.

“Those on the Front Lines of Cancer” can be seen on Channel 56 in Detroit on Oct. 10 and Oct.

17. The first hour will air on Oct. 10 9-10 p.m. and the final two hours on Oct. 17 from 9- 11 p.m.

“There can be no better use of our documentary programming, than to explain and explore the

latest work being done on the front lines of cancer and other diseases,” says Fred Nahhat, senior

vice president of programming at Detroit Public Television/PBS. “Keith has the unique ability to

document the latest in science while telling personal stories of patients and families, finding spirit

amid the struggle and challenges of life- changing events.”

The film was funded by many community leaders, as well as executive producers Jack and Annette

Aronson, John and Carol Kulhavi, Warren and Carol Anne Rose, Anthony and Mary Schimizzi, and

the Sky Foundation.

To learn more about the production, visit here. To purchase $10 tickets for the Oct. 2 premier,

visit here.

Keith Famie of Novi will be premiering his new documentary “Those on the Front Lines of Cancer" at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 at the Emagine Theater, 200 N. Main St., Royal Oak. The event will be emceed by Famie, the director and producer, and media personality and WOMC morning radio host JoAnne Purtan. The special 90-minute cut from the three-hour film features heartfelt stories and several locally and nationally well-known medical professionals. To purchase tickets for $10, visit bit.ly/thoseonfrontlinesofcancer. Part one of the documentary will air from 9 to 10 p.m. Oct. 10 and the final two hours from 9 to 11 p.m. Oct. 17 on Detroit Public Television/PBS, Channel 56 in Detroit. For more information, email Kara Malack at kmalackvep@gmail.com or visit ontodaysfrontlines.com/cancer or facebook.com/thoseonthefrontlinesofcancer

Sunshine, blue water and blue skies provided the backdrop for the recent filming of Novi resident Keith Famie's PBS film documentary “Those on the Front Lines of Cancer” at Belle Isle in Detroit. The filming took place at the Detroit Kite Festival's “Cancer, Go Fly a Kite!” More than 70 attendees decorated kites to honor their loved ones who lost their battle with cancer or those currently on their cancer journey. Film host JoAnne Purtan was on hand to film her closing to the documentary as well as fly a kite in honor of her mother and mother-in-law. Television personality and Kids Kicking Cancer volunteer Lila Lazarus flew a kite in memory of Jamiah Williams, a young lady who appeared in the film who lost her battle with cancer. Many people from cancer support organizations attended. The Visionalist Entertainment Productions team had stationary cameras and aerial drones to capture the memorable moments that will roll with the credits at the end of the film to the song from the Canadian Tenors “Lean on Me.”

Keith Famie, 59, is the executive director and producer of Wixom-based Visionalist Entertainment Productions and has won 11 Michigan Emmy Awards for his films. He and his team have been working on the film for more than a year and are in the final-production stages, having completed about 100 interviews locally and throughout the country. “I wanted the film to end with some level of inspiration and hope and community,” Famie said. "It’s a film that takes us through a lot of medical information, a lot of personal lives. At times it’s going to be uncomfortable to watch just because of what people are going through, but at the end of the day, I want it to show that there’s hope and inspiration within a community.”

The film gives the viewer an inside perspective of what it’s like for the patients, their families, their doctors, oncologists, researchers and surgeons. Doctors share what their cutting-edge research and experience has revealed, what is being learned about disease-modifying treatments and how researching patients’ genetics may change the way they approach cancer. Two of the children who were featured in the film have since passed away. “This kind of stuff really brings it home, when somebody you’re going to see in the film, at the end of the film, you’re going to see their family flying a kite, because they did not make it,” Famie said. The film will premiere on Oct. 2 at the Emagine Theatre, 200 N Main St, Royal Oak. Tickets are not available yet, but will be through Eventbrite.com. The film will air on DPTV/ PBS in late October. For more information about the film "Those on the Front lines of Cancer' and to view a trailer, visit http://ontodaysfrontlines.com/cancer.

Keith Famie, 59, of Novi, is the executive director and producer of Wixom-based Visionalist Entertainment Productions. He began documentary film-making for PBS in 2004 and, since then, has won 11 Michigan Emmy Awards for his films. After his “Embrace of Aging and Dying” series that began in 2013 and his “On the Frontlines of Alzheimer’s and Dementia” film last year, he said he wanted to "focus on the disease that can take us out of the game and learn what can we do to stack the deck in our favor.” He and his team have been working on a two-hour PBS film documentary “Those on the Front Lines of Cancer” for the past year and are in the final-production stages. Despite advances in medicine, treatment and therapies, cancer still kills around 600,000 Americans each year and affects people of all ages. “Cancer is a huge subject; there isn’t anybody who hasn’t been touched by it or knows somebody who has,” Famie said. “I’ve lost my friends to cancer, and I’ve had my own personal scares.” Famie has conducted almost 100 interviews over the past eight months for the film. These include oncologists, researchers and surgeons who share what their cutting-edge research and experience has revealed, what is being learned about disease-modifying treatments and how researching patients’ genetics may change the way we approach cancer. He interviewed doctors and researchers at the VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Royal Oak Beaumont, Henry Ford Health Care System, Ascension Providence Hospital, University of Michigan, Wayne State University, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Moffit Cancer Center and Boca Raton Regional Hospital-Florida and the University of California-Berkley.

The documentary steps into the lives of those who have been diagnosed with cancer to learn how the journey affects them and their families and discover how complicated, emotionally draining and terrifying it can be to receive a cancer diagnosis. Some of the subjects explored include diagnosis and prevention, environmental toxins, pain management, financial toxicity, lifestyle factors, advocacy and etiquette. The cancers mentioned include brain, breast, colon, leukemia, lung, pancreatic, prostate and skin. “Probably the most important part of this film is we really give a voice to those who are facing cancer head-on currently or have lost somebody to cancer. Those are the real heroes of the film,” Famie said. “We have extensive knowledge and understanding and now it’s really how do we apply it. How do we stack the deck in our favor to avoid a cancer incident?" To watch the trailer for "Those on the Front lines of Cancer," visit vimeo.com/286589086#at=0. For more information, visit ontodaysfrontlines.com/cancer.

www.v-prod.com Visionalist Entertainment Production

A s we celebrate the journey of Detroit’s own Bl. Solanus Casey to Sainthood, we can each take our own personal journey of discovery:

How does a humble boy from Irish Immigrant parents rise to the rare and distinguished honor of beatification?

Who was Bernard Casey growing up? What decisions did he make in his life that set him on a path to become one of the few humans to walk the earth as a saint and to ending up as a beacon of hope and prayers for those who believe?

What role did God play in each step of his remarkable pathway to sainthood?

What is the historical significance of the Capuchin Friars? Where did they originate, and among many different Catholic orders, what was it about this particular one that impelled Bl. Solanus Casey to become a Capuchin-Franciscan Friar?

What would life have been like for a Capuchin Friar in Detroit in the 20s, 30s and 40s? What impact did they have on the community? When specifically did the journey to sainthood begin for Bl. Solanus Casey, or was it preordained from his birth? How is sainthood decided? What constitutes a miracle in Catholic dogma? How has the power of prayer and faith helped others?

Over the course of the next year, Emmy awarded producer director Keith Famie, along with the crew at Visionalist Entertainment Productions, will dedicate their time and technical expertise to tell the story of “Blessed Casey’s Journey to Sainthood”.

We will delve deep into who the man in the habit was and what this will mean to the Motor City and, now, as he is revered among the most holy of icons in the Catholic Church, to the world.

Producer/Director Keith Famie's latest film “Blessed Solanus Casey’s Journey to Sainthood” will premiere Monday, Dec. 16 at Emagine Novi. Following the film’s premiere, the one-hour documentary will debut on Detroit Public Television, narrated by TV and radio personality Chuck Gaidica, at 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26. This moving film, which will feature heartfelt stories of who Fr. Solanus Casey was, includes interviews from Capuchin friars as well as people from across the country who knew or were impacted by him.

The film will also explore the early life of Casey – what it was like growing up in Wisconsin with Irish immigrant parents and how he started the journey of becoming a priest in the Catholic Church. Additionally, Famie will delve into what brought Casey to Michigan and the impact he had on the creation of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. “I am certain the story will become a lesson about how we treat one another, for anyone – no matter what faith beliefs they have,” said Famie, a resident of Novi. To get tickets to the showing on Dec. 16 at Emagine Novi, 44425 W 12 Mile Road, visit eventbrite.com/e/blessed-solanus-caseys-journey-to-sainthoodtickets. To watch a trailer for the film, visit solanusjourney.com.

Wixom — Lights. Camera. Solanus. Approaching the first commemoration of Blessed Solanus Casey’s feast day, a local filmmaker is setting out to shoot a documentary on the beatified friar with hopes of airing it on PBS. Keith Famie of Wixom, a chef-turned-documentarian, is in the process of shooting “Blessed Solanus Casey’s Journey to Sainthood,” a comprehensive look at the life of Bernard ‘Solanus’ Casey and his path to holiness.

“The goal is to tell Solanus Casey’s journey to sainthood, examining the path one takes to get to sainthood though the lens of this Detroiter,” Famie said. “We’ll not only be telling the story of Fr. Solanus Casey, but also the Capuchin friars, what kind of life Bernard Casey led, and how it was that he came to Detroit.” The story of Blessed Solanus’ life has already been told through numerous personal accounts, newspaper stories, short films and books. But Famie wants his documentary to approach Fr. Solanus’ story in a new way, creating a narrative that is accessible to Catholics and non-Catholics alike. “The final message of the film will be a reflection of how we as humans treat each other,” Famie said. “What can we learn from Solanus’ life as a human being and how he treated other people? He was not only a spiritual brother and priest of the Capuchins order, but a person. In today’s world, we can use that kind of messaging and story more than ever.”

Famie is the executive producer and director of Visionalist Entertainment Productions, a Wixom-based operation established in 1997 that has won nine Emmy Awards. He is currently working on “Those on the Front Lines of Alzheimer’s” in addition to his newest production the life of Blessed Solanus. Famie’s interest in creating a documentary on the porter of St. Bonaventure started with his interaction with another famous Detroiter — Art Van Elslander. “It was Art who called me, wanting me to work on his (Van Elslander’s) life story and shoot a documentary,” Famie said. “I was at his house, talking about his life, and he explained to me the impact Solanus Casey had on him.”

Two weeks after that meeting, Van Elslander passed away, halting the documentary in its tracks.

“For two days I was obviously frustrated. I had this great vision for a film, but I woke up one morning and said, ‘We weren’t supposed to tell his story; we were supposed to tell Solanus Casey’s story,’” Famie said. “I never would have thought of telling Solanus Casey’s story if it wasn’t for Art Van, who took me down this path of doing research on Solanus’ life.”

After doing research, Famie drew an outline of what he wanted the documentary to cover, everything from Blessed Solanus’ life and miracles to the story of the Capuchins to what it means for the Roman Catholic Church to recognize a miracle necessary for beatification.

Famie and his team plan to shoot material in Wisconsin, New York, Minnesota, Detroit and Rome.

“Our goal is to retrace the footsteps of his life,” Famie said. “We want to go to as many places as possible, talk to as many people as possible. We’re even looking into getting an actor to act as Solanus.”

Famie so far has interviewed Bro. Richard Merling, OFM Cap., co-vice postulator of Blessed Solanus’ canonization cause, at St. Bonaventure Monastery, shooting scenes from Fr. Solanus’ tomb and items the beatified friar had during his time in Detroit.

“There is a peacefulness about Bro. Richard,” Famie said. “We were so busy about setting things up and focusing. But as the day wore on, we had some really nice, quiet moments. There is a certain calmness about him, and I became more calm the more time I spent around him.”

Famie and his team have already completed the trailer for the documentary and hope to have the entire film shot and produced in 2019, to be aired on Detroit Public TV.

Visit solanusjourney.com to view the trailer to the documentary.

Just weeks before his death, Art Van Elslander, the late founder of Art Van Furniture and philanthropist who made a $20 million gift late last year to the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph for the expansion of the Solanus Casey Center and its Detroit campus, met with local filmmaker and celebrity chef Keith Famie.

Van Elslander spoke about the humble life Father Solanus Casey had led and how revered he was for his work with people, many of whom said they were healed when he prayed with them and they prayed to him, asking for his prayers on their behalf.

Famie left their conversation curious and spurred to do not only more research on the friar, who lived at the St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit, but also to begin production of a documentary on his works, path to sainthood and example he provides of how to treat others.

"I think I'm supposed to tell this story," Famie said last week.

"I'm drawn to Solanus' story not so much as a religious film but as a film about a gentle man who wasn't a high-ranking priest or anything but people were drawn to him for spiritual guidance ... a simple doorman."

"Blessed Solanus Casey's Journey to Sainthood" will follow not only the expansion of the center's Detroit campus but the journey Solanus Casey went on from his teenage years to the time he spent in Michigan and other Midwest states, as well as what Capuchin friars are. It will also explore Catholic and religious concepts, including what constitutes a miracle, the steps to sainthood and the concept of faith. As work gets underway on the center's campus, Famie and his Wixom-based Visionalist Entertainment Productions have begun filming there, capturing Casey's story and the early demolition of blighted homes to provide room to expand the heavily visited center. They've also begun interviewing people including Paula Medina Zarate, a Panamanian woman who said she was healed of a genetic skin disease in the fall of 2012 after praying at Casey's tomb at the center.

Zarate came to Detroit with her family for Casey's beatification in November and was in town again last week to celebrate the Catholic feast day commemorating his death.

They've also begun interviewing people including Paula Medina Zarate, a Panamanian woman who said she was healed of a genetic skin disease in the fall of 2012 after praying at Casey's tomb at the center.

Zarate came to Detroit with her family for Casey's beatification in November and was in town again last week to celebrate the Catholic feast day commemorating his death.

The film will go beyond historical and religious perspective, encouraging viewers to look inward to explore what they can take from Casey's life and the humility, compassion and empathy he showed for others.

"My job is how can I serve this up to an audience that questions things like (faith)," Famie said. "Maybe this is an opportunity to turn the mirror on themselves and say, 'what have I done?' "

Visionalist Entertainment Productions has been awarded 11 Michigan Chapter Emmy awards over the years for human interest, socially conscious documentaries, all of which have been broadcast on PBS.

When it comes out in late 2019, the Solanus Casey documentary will be shown at a public premiere in Detroit before its initial broadcast on Detroit Public Television. It will then be offered to other Michigan Public Broadcasting System stations and national PBS affiliates, Famie said.

The A.A. Van Elslander Foundation is the presenting sponsor of the film with a $100,000 sponsorship.

www.v-prod.com A Visionalist Entertainment Production

For years, Alzheimer’s has devastated the lives of millions of families.

It’s estimated that more than 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s in America right now. The disease is the 6th leading cause of death in America.

Every 66 seconds someone in the United States develops the disease. In 2017, Alzheimer’s will cost the nation 259 billion.

In the past ten years, a great deal has been learned about this life altering disease. Our baby boomers are surging into their golden years like a tsunami. Millions of Americans are hitting their 65th birthdays with a vision of living well into their 90’s -- healthy and active as long as they stay proactive about their lifestyle.

But what if their life’s path is destined to be different. Because of genetics, environment or just misjudging their own life style, they wake up one day with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, for which there is no cure. It is, instead, the beginning of slow and long good bye to family, loved ones and friends as they slip into the totally unknown abyss of their self.

In this very personal and critically important documentary, we will meet those on front lines-- neuroscientists, clinicians, and doctors from around the world. They will share with us what their cutting-edge research and experience has revealed. All that is being learned. How far have we come. How far we have to go. And-- we’ll learn about disease-modifying treatments as well as preventive strategies.

We will step into the lives of those who have been diagnosed early to see how they are progressing. And -- we will discover just how complicated and emotionally draining it can be to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

Eleven time Michigan Emmy award documentary Producer / Director Keith Famie will go to the FRONT LINES to document the men and women who are doing what they can globally to better understand ALZHEIMER’s.

On The FRONT LINES of ALZHEIMER’S ….2018

-Keith Famie

“My father, a WWII hero, dad of three, suffered such a destiny. When he took his last breath with me holding his hand totally not knowing who I was as I sat at his bedside, I vowed to one day do what I could as a film maker to help shed a light on what families can do and how we all can better live a life to avoid as much as possible, such a fate. The time is now”

Keith Famie’s new documentary gets personal. Famie — an award-winning, Novi-based producer and director — looks at the serious topic of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in the film, and it’s something he has dealt with up close.

“I lost my father in 2003 to Alzheimer’s, and I was deeply active in caring for him,” he says. “I always vowed I would produce a film about the complicate journey someone takes who looses who they are and just how complicated it is for loved ones to not only care for their family member but watch as they forget who they are.”

That mission has turned into a 2-hour film called “Those on the Front Lines of Alzheimer’s & Dementia.” The documentary, which was produced by Famie’s Visionalist Entertainment Productions, will air at 9 p.m. on June 27 on Channel 56 in Detroit.

Famie checked in with the Oakland Press to discuss Alzheimer’s and his journey creating this film.

Q: What do you think are the main public misconceptions about Alzheimer’s disease?

A: I think there are so many misconceptions. One misconception is that it’s all genetics, when it’s not. How we live our lives today will determine how we age tomorrow, cognitively. One of the most upsetting items I learned is that by the time someone is symptomatic, the ravages of dementia has been building up for years going unnoticed.

Q: When you started creating this documentary, what was your vision for it? How did your vision evolve as you got into it? A: I approach all of our documentary film productions with an open mind. I really don’t go on the journey with a set path. I want to see where the story is going to take me. I was very surprised and enlightened by what we discovered about how so many elements in our environment can have a significant impact on our cognitive health.

Q: What do you hope people take away from this documentary?

A: It’s very clear: We all take our brain health for granted. We all, me included, need to acquire a new level of discipline for our cognitive well-being. I am sure this film will create many moments for the audience to look into their mirror and ask, “Am I treating my body and brain the best way I should be?”

Q: What was the most inspiring thing about putting together this film?

A: The unsung heroes in the film are clearly those who allowed us to share their very personal stories of caring for a loved one. I was very moved by the work of Teepa Snow, who has literally changed the way we communicate with those trapped on a dementia journey.

Visit the film’s website at http://ontodaysfrontlines.com/alzheimers/. Watch the film’s trailer at https://vimeo.com/272599768.

On the Front Lines 6.21.2018 THE JEWISH NEWS

Jason Rubenfire Special to the Jewish News

Documentary sheds light on Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and caregivers

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia wreak havoc on the lives of millions of families each year. They strike indiscriminately, no matter who you are or what you’ve accomplished. And, once a person is symptomatic, there’s no turning back. Local filmmaker Keith Famie takes viewers on a journey to witness Those on the Front Lines of Alzheimer’s & Dementia, which will premiere at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 27th, on WTVS Detroit Public Television (Channel 56). With the support of the Metro Detroit Jewish community, Famie explores in his new documentary the emotional weight Alzheimer’s and dementia place on sufferers and their loved ones. He also endeavors to discover what can be done to help those in need live lives of dignity and fulfillment.

Famie is no stranger to the effect of Alzheimer’s or dementia can have on a family. He served as his father’s caregiver until his death from Alzheimer’s in 2003. “I am confident the film will take the audience on a journey that everyone can relate to, especially if they have a loved one who was or is facing any type of dementia, and I have experienced the complexities and loneliness of trying to help that person through the stages of losing themselves,” Famie says. The film also focuses on the recent advances in our understanding of cognitive decline. Recently, the treatment and care of patients experiencing cognitive decline has finally begun to profess as we’ve learned more about what contributes to Alzheimer’s and dementia and how the diseases may be slowed, prevented and, perhaps one day, reversed. “People used to think Alzheimer’s was just genetic, but it’s clear there are things we can do now in how we live, eat and exercise that can help stave off dementia and related issues,” Famie says. He also stresses the importance of being present, even if your present isn’t theirs. “Learn to be where your loved one is. If they’re 30 years ago, be with them at them moment; don’t try to take them out of it.” THE BROWN PROGRAM

The Dorothy and peter Brown Community Adult Day Program, currently led by Debra Yamstein, features prominently within the film – and for good reason. A joint collaboration between Jewish Senior Life and JVS, the Brown program first began 20 years ago when the Jewish community discovered the need for services for older adults, particularly those with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s.

Only a few decades ago, older adults experiencing cognitive decline were given extraordinarily poor care, with little to no focus placed on improving their interior lives. With the help of Dorothy and Peter Brown and other members of the Jewish Community and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, the Brown program was established as a then-revolutionary program allowing adults in the area with cognitive decline to experience a variety of social, musical, artistic and cognitive enhancement engagements. “What the Brown Center means to Southeastern Michigan is really important to families; as opposed to a loved one sitting at home, this program gives them purpose, gives them life,” Famie says. The program is open to people of all faiths and beliefs, though Jewish older adults have the unique opportunity to remain connected to their Jewish heritage through the program. The program maintains a kosher kitchen, celebrates Shabbat and Jewish holidays, and has even developed a dementia-friendly Kol Nidre Yom Kippur services that later won the Association of Jewish Aging Services “Program of the Year” award. Famie also highlights some of the groundbreaking medical work being done to prevent and reverse cognitive decline, including research at the Technion Institute of Technology in Israel, where researchers work at the forefront of new discoveries on the immune system and the brain and how the two intersect. Jewish Caregivers The film also features several prominent members of the Jewish community with a loved one experiencing cognitive decline. Cathy Deutchman, who has care for her mother, and Annette Stone, who has cared for her husband, are two such individuals. Deutchman, a former educator, is glad she and Famie were able to use the film to educate people about the often misunderstood and stigmatized topic of cognitive decline. “I hope that people who view this film begin to see beyond fear, stigma and avoidance and instead take action,” Deutchman says. Stone, also praising the Documentary’s ability to educate, believes it’s her Jewish roots that helped her be a caregiver for her husband. “The main lesson Judaism teaches is take care of your people,” she says.

Famie says, “Cathy and Annette both really allowed us to step into their lives at a difficult time. Because of these two women, everyone who sees this film will have a new knowledge of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Those who experienced it firsthand will praise Annette and Cathy for their bravery to step in front of the camera during such a difficult time.” Famie has no plans to slow down his production of award-winning documentary films, with his next film similarly featuring Those on the Front Lines of Cancer.

Underwriting the film were the D. Dan and Betty Kahn, Artichoke Garlic and the Marvin and Betty Danto Family foundations. Executive producers were Jack and Annette Stone, Jim and Cathy Deutchman, Russel J, Ebeid family, John and Carole Kulhavi, Tom and Sue Rau, Anthony and Mary Schimizzi, Robert Stone and Larry & Andi Wolfe.

After losing his father to Alzheimer’s, local filmmaker Keith Famie knew he wanted to dedicate time to delve deeply into the disease. He recently launched the first trailer for his 12-part documentary, “On the Front Lines of Today's Aging Issues,” which he plans to create over the next few years.

The first in the series, “On the Front Lines of Alzheimer’s," will focus on neuroscientists, clinicians, and doctors from around the world

who are working to combat Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases and the modifying strategies they’re currently working on. The film will also detail the history of Alzheimer’s, and provide information regarding high-risk populations, current medications, and global resources that are currently available to Alzheimer’s patients and their families.

“My father, a World War II hero and dad of three, suffered such a destiny,” says Famie. “When he took his last breath with me holding his hand totally not knowing who I was as I sat at his bedside, I vowed to one day do what I could as a filmmaker to help shed a light on what families can do and how we all can better live a life to avoid as much as possible, such a fate. The time is now.”

The film currently has support from the Alzheimer’s Association, Henry Ford Health System, the University of Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center, the Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology, Central Michigan University, and the McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Florida.

Famie is also currently working with Dr. Richard S. Issacson, director at the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic and the Neurology Residency Training Program at Weill Cornell Medical College, who will be filming for the documentary in New York City. Famie is currently signing up sponsors for the film, as well.

The trailer can be viewed here.

IN RELATED NEWS, Famie was nominated for the 2017 Michigan EMMY Awards for a film about mental health he directed, “Death is Not the Answer,” which encourages viewers to rethink mental health issues through personal stories. The film was produced by Detroit Public Television and Visionalist Entertainment Productions in Wixom.

Keith Famie: Alzheimer’s disease just doesn’t give a damn who you are Dan Dean, hometownlife.com | Published 6:44 a.m. ET Jan. 15, 2018

Keith Famie has taken many journeys in life. The documentary producer has traveled the world with his own celebrity chef television programs, appeared on “Survivor: The Australian Outback" and owned top-rated restaurants in metro Detroit. But it was dealing with his dad’s dementia that altered his life course.

“Alzheimer’s doesn’t care who you are … just does not give a damn,” Famie said from the office of his production company, Visionalist Entertainment Productions, in Novi.

Visitors entering the VEP office are greeted with a visual record of Famie’s vast travels. A cooking photo from a Maasai village in Kenya on 9/11 in one corner. Numerous framed photos showing him with the likes of President George H.W. Bush and Steven Spielberg from his Food Network days adorn a wall in another corner. In between, photos and memorabilia honoring World War II veterans featured in the documentary “Detroit: Our Greatest Generation” form a prominent display.

But tucked into a cupboard above his computer is a special black box. Adorned with images of his dad, it holds his father's ashes and is a constant reminder of the most challenging journey of the 57-year-old Novi resident’s life.

“Until you’ve had a loved one living with Alzheimer’s, or a friend, do you really understand the journey they are going to go on or the journey you’re going to go on?” Famie said. “It’s as hard on the caregiver as it is for patients.” When his dad died in 2003 from complications associated with Alzheimer’s he started to question what he was doing, who he was doing it for and who gains from it all. That experience led to him hanging up his apron to become a documentary filmmaker.

Vested interest “I was tired of everything being about me … I just wanted to live life differently … I wanted to tell other people’s stories, I wanted to do documentaries,” he said.

Famie’s latest project hits close to home. “On the Front Lines of Alzheimer’s & Dementia” will air in the spring on Detroit Public Television.

“I lost somebody – I have a vested interest in this story,” he said. “I always vowed to one day do what I could to help families facing the same fate.

“When my dad died, I made a conscious decision to make a documentary on Alzheimer’s ... as we did the series on aging ... It was only a matter of time,” he said.

Between the photos and memorabilia on a wall directly in front of his desk a large dry erase board is a constant reminder to the breadth of the story he has set out to tell. The history of Alzheimer's; what new facilities are adding to treatment; what a doctor tells a new patient; what is memory? The list goes on and keeps growing as Famie learns of new leads.

When Bill Gates announced late last year that he was donating $50 million to Alzheimer's research an article was posted on the white board and Famie started to call on contacts in an attempt to get Gates to appear on camera.

Famie's goal is to open a window into dementia. Get people talking about the sixth leading cause of death in America so we can get beyond it being thought of just a disease people get when they get old. A large part of the film is dedicated to new research that is showing the disease can be prevented or slowed.

“So now, there is a way to try and stack the deck in your favor or your loved one’s favor for the clearest, healthiest, cognitive aging journey that you can go on,” Famie said.

We can control how we age “(Dad) was smarter than most, but he didn’t know how to live, he didn’t know how to age," Famie said. "One thing that I have learned over the years is how we live today will determine how we age tomorrow and that is just as simple as it can be." It is a common theme in “On the Front Lines.” Segments of the film will show tai chi classes, ballroom dancing, yoga and community center activities along with interviews with experts from the University of Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Henry Ford Hospital, Wayne State University and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Interspersed will be real stories on the front lines like that of my dad, who was filmed for the documentary after battling scammers for over three years. All these story lines are meant to be weaved together attempting to inform and change the mindset that Alzheimer’s and dementia do not have to be a common part of aging.

“As human beings, we make a lot of excuses,” Famie said. “We’re lazy. I am speaking for myself. We're always, like, ‘It will happen tomorrow.’ ‘I will take care of it later,’” he said. But, he explains, later is now and one of the most important things we need to find inside ourselves is discipline.

“We have been given a plethora of information – it comes at us in all stages every day," he said. "Don’t do this, do that, drink this, don’t drink this, eat more of this, do more exercise. It’s there. We can discern commonsense stuff — it’s how much of it do we apply to our own lives?

“I think you have to dig down deep a lot of times and just say, ‘Hey, if I am not going to do this for myself, let me just do it for the loved ones around me.' To help them, as I age, to not have to take care of me," he added.

“I think that is a real concern for ... the baby boomers who are aging now – it is like a tsunami," he said. "Never before in history have we had so many people aging simultaneously. A lot of baby boomers are concerned over whether the millennials will be there to take care of them. It is a good serious question, a very serious question: ‘Will they be there? Will they be as caring, as empathetic and as concerning as we were, as we are, for the Greatest Generation?'

“We as a society, we can all work together to navigate through these waters of aging and, hopefully, the documentary will help people.”

For more about "On the Front Lines of Alzheimer's and Dementia" visitError! Hyperlink reference not valid. or Facebook @FrontLinesofAlzheimers

Dan Dean is managing editor of hometownlife.com. His dad deals with dementia and will be featured in Famie's

upcoming documentary. Email him at ddean@hometownlife.com Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @HTLEditor.

The premiere of Keith Famie’s Visionalist Entertainment Productions new Public Television Documentary “On the Front Lines of Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” emceed by Joanne Purtan, is at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 3, at the Royal Oak Music Theater, 318 W. Fourth St.

The film features heartfelt stories and leading professionals from around the world sharing the work they are doing to better understand a pathway to help those diagnosed with multiple forms of dementia and the people who care for them.

Famie lost his World War II veteran father to Alzheimer’s in 2003 and vowed he would one day create a film with the intention of helping society better understand and deal with it. For more information, call 248-869—0096 and visit http://ontodaysfrontlines.com/alzheimers.

After his dad died from Alzheimer's, he vowed to do something to help others facing dementia. In June the public will be able to witness the two-year project award-winning producer/director Keith Famie has put together documenting the story of Alzheimer's and dementia. “Those on the Front Lines of Alzheimer’s & Dementia” will air 9 p.m. June 27 on Detroit Public Television (DPTV) Channel 56 in Detroit. The film is produced by Famie’s Visionalist Entertainment Productions. The broadcast will be hosted by JoAnne Purtan, morning host at WOMC-FM radio and one of Michigan's most respected broadcast journalists, who recently wrapped up a 20-year tenure with Detroit ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV.

The documentary features stories and leading professionals from around the world, including Teepa Snow, sharing the work they are doing to better understand a pathway to help those diagnosed with multiple forms of dementia. The film also explores deeply the value of of how the medical community is now embracing the holistic world as we, as a nation, face the fastest and largest aging population of Baby Boomers. "I am so honored to be working with Keith Famie to help shine a light on a disease that robs too many families of years together and precious memories,” Purtan said. “As I learned early in my career as a health reporter and have confirmed by working on this project, from caregivers to scientists working on cutting edge research, there are so many wonderful people working to help those battling Alzheimer’s. We hope that by sharing their stories, this documentary can provide hope for families facing so much heartache and uncertainty.” Famie, who lost his father to Alzheimer’s in 2003, always vowed he would one day take on the daunting task of creating a film with the intention of helping society better understand and deal with the very complicated emotional journey anyone goes on with dementia caregivers included.

“We are so honored to have JoAnne as our host for this film, which we know will help so many, Famie said. “Viewers trust her to bring them stories that impact their lives and this film is designed to touch so many. We anticipate the film will tour many communities as as well as air throughout the state of Michigan and, eventually, other major PBS stations around the country.” “There can be no better use of our documentary programming, than to explain, explore and decode Alzheimer’s disease in a television and digital format that can track the advancement in care and prevention, while also revealing the latest coping strategies to patients and families alike,” said Fred Nahhat, Senior Vice President, Detroit Public Television. “Providing a platform for award-winning filmmakers and journalists like Keith Famie and JoAnne Purtan to examine these issues allows us to provide great storytelling from both a local and national perspective.” The film’s support comes from many community leaders, including the D. Dan & Betty Kahn Foundation and the Artichoke Garlic Foundation. To learn more about the production, please go to: www.ontodaysfrontlines.com/alzheimers