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About the Film

3Conversations in April is an experimental short that
attempts to capture a moment in time and place during the coronavirus pandemic.


The film is the series of recordings made of the first phone calls I ever made to my brother, a man with autism and severe cognitive disabilities, and a sweet and patient disposition. I placed twice daily calls to my brother, Alan, after he was diagnosed with Covid19 and relocated to his bedroom, in complete isolation. My brother is now well into his senior years, pushing 70. But as I gave him ever cheerier pep talks from my apartment in Brooklyn, I couldn’t know whether he would be able to grasp who it was that was speaking — whether it was his sister, whose voice he was hearing at the other end of the phone for the first time.


Meanwhile, the viewer will watch as darker themes emerge — the series of illogical and unfeeling policy decisions made by a system that governs the care of those with intellectual disabilities, the worried lives of the staff who work in the homes. Through a steady interspersing of titles and reenactments, the film gradually reveals some unsettling realities. There are perhaps multiple reasons why you’ll see me quietly pacing in my own self-isolating space.


Actions to take in support of people with autism and developmental disabilities will be a part of the film’s outreach.




Awards

Best Documentary • Hong Kong National Film Festival

Finalist • Online Isolation Short Videos, Moscow

Semi Finalist • Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival

Semi Finalist • Indie Shorts, Los Angeles CA

Screenings

For more info on  how non-profits and agencies can view the film,  click here. Or Contact filmmaker.


AUCD,  American University of Conferences on Disability November 15 - 17  


Rockland in Motion


Sibling Leadership Network


Live screening Cooking Demo and Live Q&A


Care Design NY


Live screening and discussion

Festivals

Ethnograph Film Festival Paris, France April 5-9, 2023


The Reel Deal Film Festival Smyrna Beach, FL, March 2-6, 2023


Milan Film Festival, Official Selection Milan, Italy 2022  


Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival, Semi-Finalist April, 2022


Angaelica Film Festival Los Angeles, 2021


Rockland in Motion Rockland County NY, 2021


The Hong Kong National Film Festival 2021 Winner,

Best Documentary


The Alder Film Festival Chicago, IL, 2021


Champion Film Salon International Film Festival Frisco, TX 2021


Isolation Short Video Festival Finalist, Moscow 2021


XLENT Film Festival Honorable Mention Santa Barbara, CA 2021

 

Indie Shorts Semi Finalist Los Angeles, CA 2021


5th Rosarito International  Film Festival Los Angeles, CA 2021


Margate Bookie Film Festival Margate England, 2021

The Team

Producer/Director, Susan Hamovitch  I have been passionate about independant film ever since I sat at the receptionist’s desk of the Women’s Interart Center (a now defunct non-profit that showcased women’s interdisciplinary work) back in the 80’s and overheard the soundtrack of just-produced experimental film extraordinaire, Savage/Love, by Shirley Clarke. It played every day, sometimes two or three times. I would strain to hear the soundtrack but kept dutifully to my work. Read more

Videographer, Braulio Jatar.


Sound Designer, James Redding III.   James has become one of the leading sound designers in the field.  His productions as sound editor and special effects editor have included The Queens Gambit, The Americans, 30 Rock and many more.  He is currently on the faculty of NYU’s film department. 


Production associate; assistant editor, Chloe Bowman


Above the Line talent


Marjorie Bryant,  all three direct care staff members  Patrice,  Sarah,  Eugenie


Jeremy Rudick,  brother


Goueadala Marius, voice of staff

Ways of viewing 3Conversations

Testimonials

The story you told about not only your relationship but
also how people with disabilities have been overlooked
was perfectly balanced. This documentary really made
an impact

Ben Bowles — Organizer, Margate Bookie Film Festival, 2021


Susan Hamovitch’s 11-minute film, the tender but morally firm
"
3 Conversations in April,” opens a window to the world of siblings, as experienced during the pandemic at her brother Alan's group home.  It sort of broke my heart. That said, I really mean it
when I say: Enjoy.

Judith Karasik — co-author of The Ride Together,  
A Brother and Sister's Memoir of Disability in the Family.


It's a gem — beautiful, poignant, evocative of covid springtime… Sarah Benesch author




Susan Hamovitch has a gift for making imaginative and stirring personal documentaries. Her sensitivity, concern, and profound commitment to her brother permeate the film. She is also able to subtly insert a few apt critical political remarks about the treatment of people with special needs. The film should get shown widely

Leonard Quart —film critic and editor,  Cineaste


Susan Hamovitch’s 3 Conversations in April poignantly portrays the filmmaker’s struggle to connect with her brother Alan who is nonverbal, COVID-positive, and quarantined in a group home during the height of the pandemic.  Her deep concern and the group home staff’s heroic efforts are a moving testimony to sisterly love and the challenges of providing quality care to the most vulnerable members of our community.

Don Meyer is the Founder of the Sibling Support Project and the creator of Sibshops. Don created SibTeen Sib20, and SibNet, online communities for brothers and sisters which allow thousands of siblings from around the world to connect with their peers.