When was the last time you watched a movie completely gripped in fear? When was the last time you saw a film with a concept so scary and horrible, so terrifying with its far-reaching implications you would rather just forget it? When was the last time you saw a film that was entirely based on truth, and depicted something that was happening all over the country, even in this very community?
This isn”t some Hollywood horror movie, its Open Eye Picture”s groundbreaking documentary “Under Our Skin.” The film explores the global epidemic of Lyme disease, delving into the lives of six people as they share their past and current battles with Lyme. The documentary is a winner of many prestigious awards, including two in the categories of cinematography and production awarded by the International Health and Medical Media Awards, considered to be the “Oscars of health care films.”
“Under Our Skin” is bursting like a blood-filled tick with raw emotion. It clearly explains the nature of Lyme disease and its symptoms, the devastating effect it has on those it infects and the controversy in the medical community over whether chronic Lyme disease exists at all. It is heart-breaking and gut-wrenching as it poignantly tells the stories of people who have lost their jobs, homes, insurance, friends, family and lives from Lyme disease.
It seems unimaginable that a tiny bacterium from a tick could destroy every aspect of someone”s life. But it”s a truth too many have had to confront. The film also explores the political side of researching and treating Lyme, and how insurance and pharmaceutical companies have contributed to the spread of ignorance and the destruction of lives.
Watching it was especially difficult and emotional for my family and I, as my mom and I both have Lyme. It took my family more than four emotional hours to watch this film that”s only one hour and 45 minutes, because nearly every five minutes we had to pause it to talk through the tears about the memories that came flooding back from our 16-year battle with Lyme.
“Under Our Skin” states that Lyme is the fastest-growing infectious disease in the United States, with an estimated 200,000 new cases each year, outranking even AIDS infections. Chances are, especially in this community, someone you know has Lyme. This film will undoubtedly clear up any misconceptions you might have about Lyme. Whether you know someone with Lyme or not, “Under Our Skin” is a life-changing film.
Where it”s playing:
According to the Under Our Skin official Web site, www.underourskin.com, the closest theaters showing the film are Gaslamp 15 Theaters in San Diego (June 26 through July 2), Laemmles Music Hall in Beverly Hills (June 26 through July 2), Palm Theater in San Luis Obispo (July 24 through 30), (805)541-5161; and The Nickelodeon in Santa Cruz (June 26 through July 2). Visit www.underourskin.com for updates.
Bringing it here:
To reach Lakeport Cinema 5 (Paradise Cinemas, Inc.), call 263-4144 or visit www.lakeportcinema.com/.
To contact Clearlake Stadium Cinemas (Bloomhuff Entertainment, Inc.), call 994-0589 or visit www.clearlake cinema.com.
Both theaters” Web sites have online contact forms that let you send messages via e-mail.
