Laura’s Choice and In-Conversation

Directors: Cathy Henkel, Sam Lara | Australia | 2020 | Unclassified (15+)

When fiercely independent nonagenarian Laura Henkel decides she would like to choose when and how she dies, she invites along her daughter Cathy Henkel and granddaughter Sam Lara (both filmmakers and co-directors) to lend their support and capture the experience on video. As Australia is only beginning to legalise euthanasia for the terminally ill — and Laura is relatively healthy — their journey leads them to Switzerland where assisted dying has been legalised.

Laura’s Choice offers so much more than just insight into the process of assisted voluntary death. Henkel and Lara’s film is an invitation to join a family on a respectful and incredibly personal journey. The level of access granted feels unprecedented; figuratively, there’s a seat waiting for viewers at the foot of the bed.

A lasting memorial to a much-loved matriarch and a call-to-arms for sweeping changes to euthanasia legislation in Australia, Laura’s Choice fulfils its promise as the winner of the Hot Docs prize at AIDC in 2020.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the directors.

 

For more information and to purchase tickets click here.

*A very limited number of free tickets will be made available to AIDC All Access and Focus Pass-holders 30 minutes before each film. Just show your pass at the ACMI Box Office.