Love, Danielle

What is the experience of a person who is advocating for her own health so that she can reduce her risk of cancer? Love, Danielle takes us on that rollercoaster, the good, bad and ugly of advocating for your own life. Throw in some levity with a messed up family dynamic, and you have a story that runs us on a full ride of diagnosis, treatment and finally healing. It is a beautifully told story that lets the audience walk away with knowledge that can help save so many peoples lives.

Devin Sidell masterfully moves with every scene partner she has on the screen. She carries this mammoth of a story on her back and carries us with her through every conflict and eventually joy. Most notably her relationship with Jamie King is joyful to watch. King plays the sister with cancer and at no point do you feel she is milking the sadness of the experience. She brings humor and the light of someone who is truly fighting to live.

Love, Danielle is a film that resonates on a profoundly personal level. Devin Sidell, who stars as Danielle and lives with the BRCA1 mutation, brings an unmatched authenticity to her role. As a Lynch syndrome previvor, I found her portrayal incredibly moving; it's rare to see the realities of hereditary cancer risks portrayed with such vulnerability, honesty, and depth. Devin's firsthand connection to her character infuses the film with an inspiring authenticity, reminding us of the importance of embracing life fully-even when faced with genetic challenges.

Love, Danielle is a must-watch for anyone in the hereditary cancer community or anyone who wants to understand the courage required to navigate this journey. This film goes beyond storytelling; it voices solidarity, strength, and hope.

Much of the film's grounding in hope and resilience comes from the influence of its producer, Amy Byer Shainman. Known as "The BRCA Responder," Amy is a passionate advocate for those dealing with hereditary cancer syndromes. Her goal has always been to empower individuals with knowledge and a sense of control, and that spirit shines throughout the film.

Amy's influence balances the movie, keeping it from feeling overwhelmingly heavy. Love, Danielle portrays pain, fear, and grief but also reminds us of the strength in taking charge of our health. For Amy, knowledge is power, especially when it's actionable, and making these tough choices is a profound act of self-love. Her vision allows Love, Danielle, to be emotional and empowering, honoring the challenges while celebrating resilience. Amy has been a tremendous positive force in the hereditary cancer community, and her resilience and optimism shine through in the film's message. This film is essential viewing for previvors, survivors, their loved ones, and medical professionals in the hereditary cancer field.

Rarely does a film come along that drops jaws through it's bravery to open your mind and expand your consciousness. Many people are unaware of genetic testing that can help you reduce your risk of getting cancer. "Love, Danielle" beautifully written by and starring the stunning Devin Sidell is based on her personal story of tragedy and triumph that will break your heart wide open. With such serious subject matter, it was a delicate balance to inject humor to the story, but it was done beautifully and allowed a respite from the heart wrenching choices facing the characters in the film. All the performances were top notch, and the film was produced so eloquently. Long story short, this film will save lives. What more could you ask for? Spoiler alert: Not much. Go see this film!

Love, Danielle is an educational film that delves into the emotionally charged world of genetic testing and its profound impact on individuals and families. The movie follows Danielle, a woman faced with the difficult decision of undergoing genetic testing after discovering a family history of cancer. The film masterfully captures her internal struggles, from confronting her own fears to understanding the potential consequences for her loved ones.

What sets Love, Danielle apart is its honest portrayal of the complex emotions that accompany genetic testing-fear, hope, and the search for clarity in an uncertain world. The film doesn't shy away from difficult conversations about hereditary risk and the impact it can have on life choices, making it both deeply relatable and informative. It also highlights the importance of genetic counseling and support, offering a message of empowerment for those facing similar decisions.

You know you've seen an impactful film when you and your spouse have an hour long talk about how it affected you afterwards. That is exactly what happened to us after we saw it screened at the 11th annual Nevada Women's Film Festival where it won - deservedly so - the 'Best Feature Film' award.

This glorious film is not only both funny and moving (hard to do either well much less both simultaneously) but taught us a lot about cancer, treatment, family history, and spousal issues. Without giving anything away, the family dynamics, to include husbands and wives, mothers and daughters, fathers and daughters, siblings, etc - its all there. And each was handled well and represented themselves fairly (and intelligently).

In short, if you're looking to watch something that makes you laugh + cry + think then this is it!