GSW WOMEN: Within an ongoing epidemic of violence, filmmaker, Jeffrey Teitler, tracks the life-saving efforts, courage, and resilience of three female practitioners and an entire medical team at Hartford Hospital’s Level 1 Trauma Center. VIEW ON MEDSCAPE HERE
GSW WOMEN was released on Medscape on December 19th. The Documentary Short Film was produced in collaboration with Hartford HealthCare, Jeffrey Teitler, Anya Romanowski, Rebecca Stewart, Nick Dethlefsen, Audrey Silver and Maria Del Sol and Medscape
Filmed as events unfold, trauma surgeon Dr Jane J. Keating, physician assistant Ashley Weisse, and emergency nurse Amber Langlois reveal an intimate glimpse within a preventable cycle of America’s violence epidemic — and the scars it leaves behind.
It remains an incredible honor to preserve these times and issues, while documenting the meaningful work and moments on Connecticut’s front lines. VIEW ON MEDSCAPE HERE
FULL CAST LIST – HARTFORD HOSPITAL – TRAUMA / EMERGENCY
JANE J. KEATING – ASHLEY WEISSE – AMBER LANGLOIS – AMBIKA ANAND – ISAAC ADELBURG – MARYALICONA – HYSEN ALLA – VALERIE ANDERSON – ALEXANDRA ARCARIA – SARAH BIALKOWSKI – RIGERS BICAKU – ALEXANDRA BRADLEY – JOKSHAN BRYANT – DEREK BRIGGS – TANISHA BUTLER – ROSSMARY CARTIER – SAMUEL COLO – KATHARINE DEVIN-HOLCOMBE – JACINTHA DEVILLIER – EMILY FIRENZE – DAN FREESS – BEN GARBUS – ALLISON GETZINGER – BRENDAN GONTARZ – NICHOLAS HASKELL – PAIGE HINE – COLIN HUGUENEL – SHANNA-KAY LEVY – NISHANT MERCHANT – CAITLYN NAPIERKOWSKI – SARAH OCAMPO – CHELSEA MCNALLY – ELIZABETH MERRITT – SAMANTHA MOHAMMED – MATTHEW MORRISON – AMBER MULLEN – MARISSA NGUYEN – KELLY OLESEN – CYNTHIA PRICE – ELIZABETH ROBINSON – GABRIELLE RUSCZYK – MELISSA SMITH – INAM SHAIKH – TRENT SHE– KELSEY SULLIVAN – ERIN STANKIEWICZ – EMILY TIEDEMANN – JAVIER VASQUEZ – MEGAN WARD
SPECIAL THANKS
HARTFORD HEALTHCARE, JEFFREY FLAKS, JEFFREY COHEN, MD FACS, AJAY KUMAR, MD, ADAM STEINBERG, DO, FACS, FACOG, FFPMRS, REBECCA STEWART, NICK DETHLEFSEN, JONATHAN GATES, MD, MBA, FACS KENNETH ROBINSON, MD, AUDREY SILVER, RN PATRICIA VERONNEAU, RN GREG FRANI, RRT, EMT-P. PETER KNOX, RON KOWALCZYK, TINA VARONA, EUGENIA YUN, NIAMEY WILSON, MD, FACS, MD, MSCE, F. PERRY WILSON , BRET SCHIPPER, MD, FACS, CPE, MELISSA TEITLER
Much more to come in 22/23
Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director – Envision Films
Jeffrey Teitler, Hartford HealthCare and Medscape earn an Emmy® Award from the National Academy of Arts and Sciences, (NATAS) Boston/New England Region during the 45th Annual Emmy® Celebration.
Recognized for outstanding achievement in the Short-Form, Societal Concerns category, COVIDLAND, a documentary film was produced by Jeff Teitler, Rebecca Stewart, Nick Dethlefsen and Eugenia Yun.
During the height of the pandemic, critical care physician, Megan Panico and her ICU team at Hartford Hospital selflessly cared for on onslaught of Connecticut’s most critical COVID-19 patients. Sacrificing their own health and family needs, COVIDLAND is an intimate portrait of courage and hope during the greatest healthcare crisis of our time.
EMMY Ⓡ AWARD FOR COVIDLAND – National Academy of Arts and Sciences – Boston / New England Region
COVIDLAND was published by Medscape in January of 21. Soon after, the documentary was endorsed by WEBMD‘s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Whyte. COVIDLAND also won an Eddie and Ozzie Award from Folio Magazine as well as a Digital Health Award from the Health Information Resource Center.
We are so honored to preserve these important times, share such rarely-seen events and highlight the character, courage, skill and care, that occurs within Connecticut’s frontlines every day.
COVIDLAND CAST
MEGAN PANICO, MD – BRIAN WOFFARD – SAJJAD S. RAZA, BS, RRT, RRT-ACCS – BRITTANY WOZNIAK, PA-C – KALISTA RUOFF, PCA – EMILY CONCA, RN – ELVIRA SYED, RRT – JENNIFER CULLINANE, RN, BSN – JARED INCILLO, RN – KATHRYN LAFLEUR – PA-C ELIZABETH VERHAGEN, APRN, AGACNP-BC – MIRANDA BENGTSON, RN, BSN – STEPHANIE WHEELER PA-C – ISABELLA PANICO – DAVID RICE, RRT – JEREMY BROTHERS, RN – BRITTANY LAURENZA, RN, BSN – CHRISTINA WOOD RN AND THE ENTIRE ICU TEAM AT HARTFORD HOSPITAL
We were also honored to receive an EMMY Ⓡ NOMINATION for WHOLE AGAIN
Produced in collaboration with Tina Verona, Rebecca Stewart and Nick Dethlefsen along with Hartford HealthCare’s Emergency Department, after 17 days clinging to life on a ventilator, hospital security guard, Jay Bialkowski’s recovery from COVID-19 was nothing short of miraculous. It was also just the beginning of a brutal journey back to his life.
Thanks to the many medical practitioners and patients, who allowed their events, lives and care to be captured. We would also like to thank the National Academy of Arts and Sciences – Boston/New England Regional Chapter for the prestigious Emmy® Award and Emmy Nominations. Finally, thanks to Hartford HealthCare, Medscape and Peter Knox for your endless vision and partnership in telling these stories.
It remains the highest honor to do this work.
SPECIAL THANKS
HARTFORD HEALTHCARE, JEFFREY FLAKS, JEFFREY COHEN, MD FACS, AJAY KUMAR, MD, ADAM STEINBERG, DO, FACS, FACOG, FFPMRS, REBECCA STEWART, NICK DETHLEFSEN, TINA VARONA, EUGENIA YUN, NIAMEY WILSON, MD, FACS, MD, MSCE, F. PERRY WILSON , BRET SCHIPPER, MD, FACS, CPE, PETER KNOX, RON KOWALCZYK, MELISSA TEITLER
Much more to come in 22/23
Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director – Envision Films
Envision Films / Jeff Teitler, in collaboration with Hartford HealthCare, Medscape, Rebecca Stewart, Nick Dethlefsen, Tina Verona and Eugenia Yun, are honored to announce two Emmy Nominations from the Boston/New England Region of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, (NATAS). The prestigious Nominations mark a new milestone within our production partnerships. The 45th Boston/New England Emmy® Awards Ceremony will be held at the Wang Theatre on Saturday, June 4, 2022
EMMY Ⓡ NOMINATION FOR COVIDLAND
In COVIDLAND, critical care physician, Megan Panico and her ICU team selflessly care for on onslaught of COVID-19 patients. Sacrificing their own health and family needs during the hight of the pandemic, COVIDLAND documents the mass of courage and hope during the greatest healthcare crisis of our time.
EMMY Ⓡ NOMINATION FOR WHOLE AGAIN
After 17 days clinging to life on a ventilator, hospital security guard, Jay Bialkowski’s recovery from COVID-19 was nothing short of miraculous. It was also just the beginning of a brutal journey back to his life.
On behalf of all, we are extraordinarily thankful to the many practitioners and patients, who so courageously allowed their events, lives and care to be captured during such vulnerable times. We would also like to thank the Academy’s Boston/New England Chapter for the prestigious Emmy nomination, Hartford HealthCare and Medscape for their vision, partnership and support.
Much more to come…
Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director – Envision Films
Envision Films and Jeffrey Teitler, in collaboration with Medscape, Hartford Hospital’s, Emergency Department and Hartford Healthcare are pleased to announce, STATE OF EMERGENCY – A new micro-documentary series on the front lines of Emergency Medicine.
In THE NO JUDGEMENT ZONE, (Ep 1) emergency physician, Cynthia Price, along with her team of care-providers, confront the end of life, an ongoing pandemic and treat a transgender patient’s sudden paralysis. Yet for those on the front lines, it’s part of the shift. STATE OF EMERGENCY
We are pleased and honored by the engagement of Hartford Hospital’s patients and practitioners, along with the ability to tell their stories with Medscape. VIEW THE FIRST EPISODE HERE.
State of Emergency is produced by Anya Romanowski, in collaboration with Jeff Teitler and Hartford Healthcare.
SPECIAL THANKS
JEFFREY FLAKS, JEFFREY COHEN, MD FACS, AJAY KUMAR, MD, ADAM STEINBERG, DO, FACS, FACOG, FFPMRS, REBECCA STEWART, NICK DETHLEFSEN, TINA VARONA, NIAMEY WILSON, MD, FACS, MD, MSCE, F. PERRY WILSON , PETER KNOX, RON KOWALCZYK and MELISSA TEITLER
COVIDLAND, a Medscape, Hartford HealthCare and Jeff Teitler documentary, wins a prestigious, 2021 Eddie and Ozzie Award. The recognition, announced at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC, includes publications such as, Variety, People Magazine, Martha Stewart Living, Science Magazine and others. The prestigious award recognizes excellence in 33 categories within Communication, Journalism and Digital Design.
Envision Films and Jeff Teitler are grateful to both the Eddie and Ozzie’s, along with our collaborating partners, Medscape, Hartford HealthCare and Eugenia Yun.
In COVIDLAND, critical care physician, Megan Panico and her ICU team selflessly care for on onslaught of COVID-19 patients. Sacrificing their own health and family needs during the height of the pandemic, COVIDLAND documents the mass of courage and hope during the greatest healthcare crisis of our time.
COVIDLAND premiered on Medscape in January of 2021. It was also featured and endorsed in a WebMD segment by Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Hoyt.
COVIDLAND won a Digital Health Award in June of 21, from the Health Information Resource Center – the largest review program of its kind in the United States.
COVIDLAND was produced in partnership with Medscape, Hartford HealthCare, Hartford Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, Rebecca Stewart and Nick Dethlefsen. Produced by Eugenia Yun and Directed by Jeffrey Teitler / Envision Films.
CAST
MEGAN PANICO, MD – BRIAN WOFFARD – SAJJAD S. RAZA, BS, RRT, RRT-ACCS – BRITTANY WOZNIAK, PA-C – KALISTA RUOFF, PCA – EMILY CONCA, RN – ELVIRA SYED, RRT – JENNIFER CULLINANE, RN, BSN – JARED INCILLO, RN – KATHRYN LAFLEUR – PA-C ELIZABETH VERHAGEN, APRN, AGACNP-BC – MIRANDA BENGTSON, RN, BSN – STEPHANIE WHEELER PA-C – ISABELLA PANICO – DAVID RICE, RRT – JEREMY BROTHERS, RN – BRITTANY LAURENZA, RN, BSN – CHRISTINA WOOD RN AND THE ENTIRE ICU TEAM AT HARTFORD HOSPITAL.
SPECIAL THANKS
HARTFORD HEALTHCARE, JEFFREY FLAKS, JEFFREY COHEN, MD FACS, AJAY KUMAR, MD, ADAM STEINBERG, DO, FACS, FACOG, FFPMRS, REBECCA STEWART, NICK DETHLEFSEN, TINA VARONA, EUGENIA YUN, NIAMEY WILSON, MD, FACS, MD, MSCE, F. PERRY WILSON , BRET SCHIPPER, MD, FACS, CPE, PETER KNOX, RON KOWALCZYK, MELISSA TEITLER
Stay tuned for additional Medscape premieres – Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director Envision Films, LLC
Cancer is unforgiving. It robs our time, upends our lives and leaves indelible scars on all around. But it can also reveals our greatest gifts. In this Medscape, Jeff Teitler and Hartford Healthcare documentary, a diagnoses of breast and pancreatic cancer, inspires an entire health system to engage.
Jill Bertolini, Camelia Lawrence, Jeff Teitler, Hartford HealthCare and Medscape
FEATURED CAST:
CAMELIA LAWRENCE, MD, FACS, JILLENE BERTOLINI, MICHAEL FURLAN, ISAIAH LAWRENCE, SHIRLEY LAWRENCE, NATHAN PHILLIPS, ASHLEY PHILLIPS, ARMANDO E. GIULIANO, MD, FACS, GUSTAVO STRINGEL, MD, FACS, GARY HAVICAN JEFFREY FINKELSTEIN, MD, FACEP, SOO HWA HAN, MD, FACS, BRIAN JAMES BYRNE, MD SHERI CHROSTOWSKI, JOANNE STRANIERI, RN, SOPHIA PARE, RN JORDAN PROCKO, RN, JANE BROWN, RN, BOZENA SZCZYGIEL, RN, MEGHAN VACHON, RN, BRIAN SPYROS, KATHY ROSS
SPECIAL THANKS
THE HARTFORD HEALTHCARE CANCER INSTITUTE, HOSPITAL OF CENTRAL CONNECTICUT, MIDSTATE RADIOLOGY ASSOCIATES, EUGENIA YUN, JEFFREY FLAKS, JEFFREY COHEN, MD FACS, REBECCA STEWART, NICK DETHLEFSEN, TINA VARONA, ADAM STEINBERG, DO, FACS, FACOG, FFPMRS, AJAY KUMAR, MD, NIAMEY WILSON, MD, FACS, F. PERRY WILSON, MD, MSCE, BRET SCHIPPER, MD, FACS, CPE, BRIAN MICHAEL ALLEN, MD, PETER KNOX, RON KOWALCZYK, MELISSA TEITLER, LD BRITT, MD, MPH, FACS , CHARLES V. FIRLOTTE, WESLEY HICKS, MD FACS, BRIDGET OPPONG, MD, FACS
The Oncologists reveals human moments in cancer, care and practice
After a long hiatus, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to announce, THE SWEETEST LAND has been selected to screen by Saint Louis Children’s Hospital w as part of their 2021 Pediatric Trauma Symposium.
With an up-tick in violent crime across the country, along with the film’s critical focus on violence prevention, we are honored and pleased the film is being utilized exactly as it was intended – to educate and save lives. On behalf of the cast and crew of THE SWEETEST LAND, we would like to thank Lydia Wood, Lori Beck and Saint Louis Children’s Hospital, for their amazing efforts in improving violence prevention and championing the film’s Saint Louis screening.
The Sweetest Land -Jeffrey Teitler
THE SWEETEST LAND – SYNOPSIS:
In urban America, there are community promises made, triumphant political speeches performed and conditions, which rarely change. Yet when the gunshots sound and blood spills, who shows up?
From the midnight surgeons, to a community on the brink of hope and sacrifice, THE SWEETEST LAND investigates real stories of violence, prevention and change, where complacency can no longer be an option.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hartford HealthCare commissioned several short videos from Envision Films / Jeff Teitler, to explore the local health response. Today, we are so pleased to have collaborated with Hartford HealthCare and are honored by the multiple LAMPLIGHTER RECOGNITIONS those works have received.
In this first piece, a Hartford HealthCare, Registered Nurse uses her phone to capture her morning routine. On Facebook, the video received over 60,000 views in its first week.
Jay Bialkowski’s story begins on a typical day. Yet, in a matter of minutes, his world changed forever. He couldn’t breathe and was rushed to Hartford Hospital. His condition spiraled quickly as he was on the brink of death – until something miraculous happened,
After producing on this story of recovery, it was broadcast on NBC CT as it rapidly received over 31,000 views on social media. That’s when it was noticed by National Geographic’s science editor, Nsikan Aspen, who invited the story on their national podcast.
Keith Grant, APRN, Senior Director, Infection Prevention, shares why he has hope for the future and how safety is at the forefront of everything Hartford HealthCare does.
How do you tell the stories of Hospice to people who may not want to listen? This story is about patients and their families. How they were born, lived and how they wanted to experience life at the end -surrounded by loved ones LAMPLIGHTER AWARD IN CINEMATOGRAPHY
We are deeply honored by the Lamplighter recognitions and to have Hartford HealthCare, Rebecca Stewart, Nick Dethlefsen and Tina Verona as our collaborating and producing partners. Much more to come…
Stay tuned for additional Medscape premieres – Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director Envision Films, LLC
Medscape, Hartford HealthCare and Envision Films / Jeff Teitler win a Silver Digital Health Award for COVIDLAND – A documentary Film about survival and hope in the ICU.
TheDigital Health Awards hosts the largest review program of its kind in the United States. Sponsored by the Health Information Resource Center, The Digital Health Awards recognizes high-quality digital health resources for consumers and health professionals.
In COVIDLAND critical care physician, Megan Panico and her team’s care for COVID-19 patient, Brian Woffard, as they sacrifice their health and family needs during the 20/21 pandemic. The film was produced in partnership with Hartford HealthCare, Hartford Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, Rebecca Stewart and Nick Dethlefsen. Produced by Eugenia Yun and Directed by Jeffrey Teitler. COVIDLAND premiered on Medscape in January of 2021 . VIEW COVIDLAND ON MEDSCAPE
WebMD’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Whyte produced another segment on WebMD, which endorsed COVIDLAND.
Envision Films / Jeff Teitler are grateful for our partners and those who participated in the creation of COVIDLAND. A special thanks to the Digital Health Awards for including the film in this recognition.
COVIDLAND was produced in partnership with Medscape, Hartford HealthCare, Hartford Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, Rebecca Stewart and Nick Dethlefsen. Produced by Eugenia Yun and Directed by Jeffrey Teitler / Envision Films.
CAST
MEGAN PANICO, MD – BRIAN WOFFARD – SAJJAD S. RAZA, BS, RRT, RRT-ACCS – BRITTANY WOZNIAK, PA-C – KALISTA RUOFF, PCA – EMILY CONCA, RN – ELVIRA SYED, RRT – JENNIFER CULLINANE, RN, BSN – JARED INCILLO, RN – KATHRYN LAFLEUR – PA-C ELIZABETH VERHAGEN, APRN, AGACNP-BC – MIRANDA BENGTSON, RN, BSN – STEPHANIE WHEELER PA-C – ISABELLA PANICO – DAVID RICE, RRT – JEREMY BROTHERS, RN – BRITTANY LAURENZA, RN, BSN – CHRISTINA WOOD RN AND THE ENTIRE ICU TEAM AT HARTFORD HOSPITAL.
SPECIAL THANKS
HARTFORD HEALTHCARE, JEFFREY FLAKS, JEFFREY COHEN, MD FACS, AJAY KUMAR, MD, ADAM STEINBERG, DO, FACS, FACOG, FFPMRS, REBECCA STEWART, NICK DETHLEFSEN, TINA VARONA, EUGENIA YUN, NIAMEY WILSON, MD, FACS, MD, MSCE, F. PERRY WILSON , BRET SCHIPPER, MD, FACS, CPE, PETER KNOX, RON KOWALCZYK, MELISSA TEITLER
Stay tuned for additional Medscape premieres – Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director Envision Films, LLC
Envision Films / Jeff Teitler, in collaboration with Margot Noelle, DFX, Michelle Fischer Paul and Nicole Nascimento present ONE IN FOUR, a short documentary film.
There are many empowering benefits of dance, but healing from sexual assault was never supposed to be one of them.
ONE IN FOUR premiered at the San Francisco Dance Film Festival, while also receiving official selections at the Dance is Activism Film Festival, 21, Indie Shorts Awards Miami, Voices Rising Film Festival, 21, and the Fine Arts Film Festival. ONE IN FOUR will screen, Wednesday, September 8th at the I WILL TELL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Stay tuned for additional Medscape premieres – Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director Envision Films, LLC
Envision Films / Jeff Teitler, in collaboration with Hartford HealthCare (Connecticut’s largest HealthCare system) and Medscape, (a leading online Medical Journal) launch THE ONCOLOGISTS – a new documentary film series exploring the unforeseeable challenges, triumphs and the human experiences within the treatment of cancer patients.
Unpredictable Endings are only the beginning of a delicate dance surgical teams go through with every case. In Episode 1, Chief of Oncological Surgery, Dr. Bret Schipper faces a crucial moment in the OR that few ever see….and the stakes could not be higher.
THE ONCOLOGISTS is currently scheduled to produce four episode to premiere on Medscape.
Special Thanks to: Lauri Graham, Gabriel Miller, Eugenia Yun, JeIrey Flaks, Rebecca Stewart, Nick Dethlefsen, Tina Varona, Hartford Hospital, Niamey Wilson, MD, FACS, F. Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE, Peter Knox, Ron Kowalczyk and Melissa Teitler
Stay tuned for additional Medscape premieres – Posted by JeI Teitler – Director Envision Films, LLC
Following the premiere of COVIDLAND on Medscape, the documentary film captured the attention of WebMD’s, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Whyte. Soon after, Whyte interviewed Dr. Panico about being in COVIDLAND, her experiences as a critical care physician, along with the wins and sacrifices, that continue on the front lines today.
Dr. Megan Panico spends nights and weekends caring for extreme COVID- 19 cases. In doing so, she also sacrifices urgent family needs and time with her daughter. But for those on the front lines, within the most complicated health crisis of our time, there is no choice.
On behalf of the cast and crew of COVIDLAND, we would like to thank Dr. Whyte, for producing this segment and engaging interview. COVIDLAND was created through a unique collaboration between, Jeffrey Teitler, Hartford HealthCare and Medscape.
COVIDLAND also features Brian Woffard, Sajjad S. Raza, BS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, Brittany Wozniak, PA-C, Kalista Ruoff, PCA, Emily Conca, RN, Elvira Syed, RRT, Jennifer Cullinane, RN, BSN, Jared Incillo, RN, Kathryn LaFleur, PA-C Elizabeth Verhagen, APRN, AGACNP-BC, Miranda Bengtson, RN, BSN, Stephanie Wheeler, PA-C, Isabella Panico, David Rice, RRT, Jeremy Brothers, RN, Brittany Laurenza, RN, BSN, Christina Wood, RN and the entire ICU team at Hartford Hospital.
CREDITS
Special Thanks to: Eugenia Yun, JeIrey Flaks, Rebecca Stewart, Nick Dethlefsen, Tina Varona, Hartford Hospital, Niamey Wilson, MD, FACS, F. Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE, Peter Knox, Ron Kowalczyk and Melissa Teitler
Stay tuned for additional Medscape premieres – Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director Envision Films, LLC
Medscape, Hartford HealthCare and Envision Films /JeI Teitler. are pleased to announce the premiere of COVIDLAND: A Film About Survival and Hope in the ICU.
Dr. Megan Panico spends nights and weekends caring for extreme COVID- 19 cases. In doing so, she also sacrifices urgent family needs and time with her daughter. But for those on the front lines, within the most complicated health crisis of our time, there is no choice.
We are pleased the film is premiering on MEDSCAPE. COVIDLAND also features Brian Woffard, Sajjad S. Raza, BS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, Brittany Wozniak, PA-C, Kalista Ruoff, PCA, Emily Conca, RN Elvira Syed, RRT, Jennifer Cullinane, RN, BSN, Jared Incillo, RN, Kathryn LaFleur, PA-C Elizabeth Verhagen, APRN, AGACNP-BC, Miranda Bengtson, RN, BSN, Stephanie Wheeler, PA-C
Isabella Panico, David Rice, RRT, Jeremy Brothers, RN, Brittany Laurenza, RN, BSN, Christina Wood, RN and the entire ICU team at Hartford Hospital.
CREDITS
Special Thanks to: Eugenia Yun, JeIrey Flaks, Rebecca Stewart, Nick Dethlefsen, Tina Varona, Hartford Hospital, Niamey Wilson, MD, FACS, F. Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE, Peter Knox, Ron Kowalczyk and Melissa Teitler
Stay tuned for additional Medscape premieres – Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director Envision Films, LLC
In the midst of the Coronavirus, Envision Films / JeIf Teitler set up several photo sessions to honor the stories of health providers during the 2020 pandemic. Immediately, profound moments of concern, poignancy and beauty emerged.
After introducing the project to Medscape, a leading online destination for healthcare professionals, it quickly evolved into a moving, personal and vulnerable media series from health providers on the front lines.
We are both pleased and honored that Medscape is publishing these pieces and recognizing the stories from those on the front lines. It is the perfect placement for their perspectives to be preserved and shared.
After producing a short film on Jay Bailkowski, a security supervisor at Hartford Hospital, who just spent 17 days clinging to life on a ventilator with COVID-19, his ICU physician, Dr. Megan Panico never gave up.
Their hopeful story of recovery, (seen above) was broadcast on NBC CT as it rapidly received over 31,000 views on Facebook. That’s when it was noticed by National Geographic’s science editor, Nsikan Aspen, who invited the story on their national podcast.
We are pleased to have collaborated with Hartford HealthCare to eIectively tell this story. We’re also thrilled it inspired National Geographic’s engagement, which told their story to nearly 200,000 individuals across the nation. That is the power of a story!
During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical practitioners and first responders documented their experiences with their phones. In an eIort to preserve their times, they allowed us to edit that footage into 8 mini episodes within the pandemic.
Click Image to View Clip
Today, we are pleased to announce, the Hartford Courant began publishing ON THE FRONT episodes.
Through partnership with The Hartford Courant, we are pleased the actions and stories of those on the front lines can be seen.
Envision Films / Jeffrey Teitler in collaboration with F. Perry Wilson, MD MSCE, MEDSCAPE and Yale New Haven Hospital release a 9-minute editorial. MEDSCAPE DOCUMENTARY PUBLICATION
Entirely phone-shot, Wilson provides a visual, insightful and compassionate account on the front lines of COVID-19. Wilson, whose science communications can also be found in the Huffington Post, NPR, and his own editorial channels as well offers a rare glimpse into a COVID-19 ward.
Envision Films, LLC / Jeffrey B. Teitler and Hartford HealthCare agree to collaborate on 4 film-portraits. Noting the historical significance of the Corona Virus along with the heroic acts of healthcare providers, Hartford Health will feature a new tribute film on the front lines, every week this month.
In this first piece, a Hartford Health Care, Registered Nurse uses her phone to capture her morning routine. The Video received over 66,000 views on Facebook in its first week.
Jay Bialkowski, a 54-year-old Glastonbury man and security guard at Hartford Hospital, spent several weeks as a patient with COVID-19 at Hartford Hospital. The team never gave up hope. Megan Panico, MD, was part of that team and helped him get back to his family. This video was seen more than 40,000 times on social media
Keith Grant, APRN, Senior Director, Infection Prevention, shares why he has hope for the future and how safety is at the forefront of everything Hartford HealthCare does.
Several colleagues at Hartford HealthCare have been redeployed to serve on the frontline. They fearlessly face whatever comes their way to help those who need it most. Wherever you stand, we stand with you
The IndieFEST Film Awards, recognized by IMDB and a top 100 reviewed film festival on Film Freeway, has awarded THE SWEETEST LAND a Humanitarian Award of Distinction. Each year IndieFEST bestows Humanitarian Awards to deserving filmmakers who are committed to making a difference through impactful filmmaking that highlights a critical need of our time while demonstrating exceptional filmmaking skill.
This Humanitarian Award honors filmmakers who bring awareness to issues of Ecological, Political, Social Justice, Health and Wellness, combined with outstanding production techniques.
This is not an award that can be submitted for. Rather, selections are hand picked by the staff and judges from films received throughout the year.
On behalf of the cast and crew of THE SWEETEST LAND, we are honored for the recognition and thank the IndieFest Film Awards. We remain committed to advocacy efforts which focus on the highest quality, evidence-based prevention programs and strategies for youth and families in-need. Violence is preventable.
In urban America, there are community promises made, triumphant political speeches performed and conditions, which rarely change. Yet when the gunshots sound and blood spills, who shows up?
From the midnight surgeons, to a community on the brink of hope and sacrifice, THE SWEETEST LAND investigates real stories of violence, prevention and change, where complacency can no longer be an option.
Sand Diego Black Film Festival – The Sweetest Land, Directed by Jeffrey Teitler
We are honored to announce the SAN DIEGO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL has selected THE SWEETEST LAND. Founded in 2002, the San Diego Black Film Festival has grown to become one of the largest black film festivals in the country. THE SWEETEST LAND will screen on Saturday Feb 1st. For tickets and additional information CLICK HERE
In urban America, there are community promises made, triumphant political speeches performed and conditions, which rarely change. Yet when the gunshots sound and blood spills, who shows up?
From the midnight surgeons, to a community on the brink of hope and sacrifice, THE SWEETEST LAND investigates real stories of violence, prevention and change, where complacency can no longer be an option.
We are pleased to announce THE SWEETEST LAND has won a prestigious Award of Merit Special Mention in SOCIAL JUSTICE from the IndieFEST Film Awards.
The IndieFEST Film Awards, recognized by IMDB, awards film, television, videography and new media professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change. Entries are judged by highly qualified professionals in the film and television industry.
We are also pleased to announce a BRONZE award from the LATITUDE FILM AWARDS – LONDON as well as a SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD at the 2019 (IN)JUSTICE FOR ALL FILM FESTIVAL.
On behalf of the cast and crew of THE SWEETEST LAND, we are thrilled the message is getting out, that improvement in victims care and violence prevention remains possible and that lives can matter. With that, we are pleased to release a HOLIDAY MESSAGE from THE SWEETEST LAND
In urban America, there are community promises made, triumphant political speeches performed and conditions, which rarely change. Yet when the gunshots sound and blood spills, who shows up?
From the midnight surgeons, to a community on the brink of hope and sacrifice, THE SWEETEST LAND investigates real stories of violence, prevention and change, where complacency can no longer be an option.
THE SWEETEST LAND will receive its Chicago Premiere at theINTERNATIONAL SOCIAL CHANGE FILM FESTIVAL, followed by a Q&A, Saturday, September 28th at the DU SABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, Chicago, IL
The International Social Change Film Festival is a celebration of our common humanity through film, music, art & fashion. The Festival is committed to liberation and amplification of community voice, social justice and change.
Geraldine Thomas – The Sweetest Land – Directed by Jeffrey Teitler
In urban America, there are community promises made, triumphant political speeches performed and conditions, which rarely change. Yet when the gunshots sound and blood spills, who shows up?
From the midnight surgeons, to a community on the brink of hope and sacrifice, THE SWEETEST LAND investigates real stories of violence, prevention and change, where complacency can no longer be an option.
When you spend nights and weekends in one of New England’s most violent cities, you realize how little you know and how much can be revealed.
For years, I focused my camera on Connecticut’s capital city of Hartford. I was embedded with police, clergy, community organizations, emergency personnel and victims of violence. That footage is now part of “The Sweetest Land,” a documentary film playing at select festivals nationwide.
Beyond the inequities of how urban and suburban violence are treated, we have a clear ability to improve lives where violence most occurs — and at no additional cost.
The Sweetest Land – Jeffrey Teitler
In the emergency room, there are days when multiple gunshots victims arrive. Yet uncontrollable bleeding is immediately met with life-saving efforts. Instantly, a quiet space transforms as highly skilled individuals urgently apply the best-known protocols to heal. The trauma room is a sacred space: It mandates equality. Race, gender, economic status and political affiliation are of no concern. Instead, evidence-based procedures are applied regardless of who shows up.
That is what systems can accomplish when the best available practice is required. But what is actually being done to prevent these injuries in the first place?
We spend millions of dollars without knowing whether youth violence programs even work. This was from the U.S. surgeon general in 2001:
“Hundreds of youth violence prevention programs are being used in schools and communities throughout the country, yet little is known about the actual effects of many of them. Few such programs have been rigorously evaluated, including many ongoing efforts. The evaluations that have been done indicate that much of the money America spends on youth violence prevention is spent on ineffective — sometimes even harmful — programs and policies.”
Blueprints, part of the Institute of Behavioral Science at the University of Colorado at Boulder, has found tested, effective programs that work when implemented fully and faithfully, not in halfway measures.
To be fair, there are extraordinary individuals and organizations in prevention and victims’ services who clearly improve the lives they serve.
However, the research shows that most organizations cannot prove efficacy or consistency within their methods when a rigorous evaluation is applied. That means potentially unproven methods or harmful interventions in prevention and victims care are being practiced on youths and families most in need of competency.
We can do better.
When prevention works, it is no different from the life-changing moments in a trauma room. When you meet the humans whom violence prevention has failed, you gain an instant understanding of how important standards of care are, using the best methods with qualified prevention providers and rigorous evaluation. It is what we pay for.
Yet we rarely demand outside audits on prevention programs. CNN found that $54 million was entirely misspent on Chicago’s violence prevention efforts. The cracks grow wider as well-intentioned organizations and individuals serve as therapist, social worker, life coach, etc., but potentially lack the educational credentials or proven methods to produce change.
Connecticut’s lawmakers should demand proven standards of care for violence-prevention services in cities, as well as credentialed providers and evidence-based methods. They should verify that the services offered are actually being offered. They should not accept program “skimming,” accepting only youths, victims and families who have the best chances of success, rather than those most at risk of violence.
For “The Sweetest Land,” we traveled from Georgia to Boston. We heard similar stories time after time. Struggling families didn’t get help. Hartford has a few new programs in place to connect with victims of violence and their families. The question is whether they are preventing further violence. The city needs a qualified and independent inspector general to make sure those programs are getting properly evaluated.
Keep in mind that when violence strikes an urban area, normally a nation does not mourn with the victims’ families as it does those of mass shootings. Rarely are outpourings of funds established to meet urban family needs. In the too many deaths I have filmed, the hardships are overwhelming.
This disconnect existed with every victim of violence I captured.
We applaud that violence statistics are down in Connecticut overall, and that fewer people are incarcerated. These are major accomplishments. But make no mistake, violence persists.
It is preventable and it is actionable. And to any elected official and legislator, if you can guarantee that our best efforts are implemented and working — as if it were your child at-risk — you too would represent “The Sweetest Land.“
Jeffrey B. Teitler is a professor of Communication at Central Connecticut State University and artist in residence at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center.
In urban America, there are community promises made, triumphant political speeches performed and conditions, which rarely change. Yet when the gunshots sound and blood spills, who shows up?
From the midnight surgeons, to a community on the brink of hope and sacrifice, THE SWEETEST LAND investigates real stories of violence, prevention and change, where complacency can no longer be an option.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – OFFICIAL SELECTIONS – THE SWEETEST LAND
We are so pleased to announce upcoming screenings of THE SWEETEST LAND at multiple film festivals in Saint Lous, Austin and Miami. Special thanks to the Capital City Black Film Festival, Urban Film Festival, CommUNITY Arts Festival.
In urban America, there are community promises made, triumphant political speeches performed and conditions, which rarely change. Yet when the gunshots sound and blood spills, who shows up?
From the midnight surgeons, to a community on the brink of hope and sacrifice, THE SWEETEST LAND investigates real stories of violence, prevention and change, where complacency can no longer be an option.
Award winning documentary film on violence prevention
THE SWEETEST LAND will receive its West Coast / Los Angeles Premiere at the AWARENESS FILM FESTIVAL, followed by a Q&A, Thursday, October 10th, 5:30-7:00 PM, LA Live Regal Cinemas, 1000 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The Awareness Film Festival seeks to inform and inspire audiences through a program of films on Ecological, Political, Health/Well Being and Spiritual topics. AFF focus is to spotlight film-makers committed to making positive change throughout the world.
In urban America, there are community promises made, triumphant political speeches performed and conditions, which rarely change. Yet when the gunshots sound and blood spills, who shows up?
From the midnight surgeons, to a community on the brink of hope and sacrifice, THE SWEETEST LAND investigates real stories of violence, prevention and change, where complacency can no longer be an option.