Deadly Inheritance
By Luc Bourgon
Northern Lights Television

For twenty years, 38-year-old Christie Kilgore has lived with the knowledge that she may be carrying the gene that causes Huntington's disease, the fatal neurological disorder which has afflicted her mother and others in her family. Thanks to recent advances in genetics, she has been given a new and frightening opportunity: the chance to discover if she is going to live or die.

This extraordinary documentary follows Christie and her family over the months between her initial blood test and the unforgettable moment when she is told her results. More than just a gripping medical suspense story, this is a real-life drama of love, family, and compassion.

DVD version has both closed-captions and audio description.

44 minutes
© 1997
Purchase $199 DVD
Order No. QA-257
ISBN (DVD) 1-57295-999-1

Reviews
"An excellent portrayal of the psychosocial issues associated with genetic testing." Dr. Beverly Kopala, Loyola University

"In the years ahead, more and more individuals and families will have to grapple with the sorts of questions facing the family in this production. This is a wonderful piece of work, and deserves to be seen by a very large audience." Rod Morrison, PhD, Director, Huntington Society of Canada

Awards & Conference Screenings
Freddie Award, Intl. Health & Medical Film Festival
Silver, Health Sciences Communications Assn.
Best Documentary, Bar Harbor Film Festival
Best Social Issue Documentary, Hot Docs, Canada
Bronze, National Educational Media Network
National Media Award, Canadian Nurses Association
Bronze, Columbus International Film Festival

Related Films
Tracked Down by Our Genes: Explores the new possibilities and dangers created by the Human Genome Project's decoding of human DNA.

Measuring Up: Should prenatal genetic testing determine who is to be born? Families who have had children with serious genetic conditions discuss their own choices, with commentary by several bioethicists and genetic scientists.

DNA and Cystic Fibrosis: The stories of two teens with Cystic Fibrosis make the point that many of the medical breakthroughs seemingly promised by genetic science have yet to be achieved.

The Burden of Knowledge: Seven couples, healthcare and genetic specialists, and others explore the ethical and emotional implications of prenatal testing for genetic defects.

Banking Our Genes: Invites viewers to think about the ethical, public policy, and privacy issues involved in the collection and banking of DNA data about individuals.

Safety in Numbers: With pathos and humor, this short, experimental drama explores the sometimes unclear boundaries between the behaviors of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and "normalcy."

To rent or purchase this film, please visit the Icarus Films website

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