We are pleased to announce that Genetic Defekt has been accepted to the Nyack International Film Festival.
Showtime: Friday, April 5, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST
NIFF 2024 runs Monday, April 1st through Sunday, April 7th at the Fabulous Hotel Nyack!
For tickets, information and up to the minute film schedule updates TBA go to: www.FilmFreeway.com/NyackFilmFestival
About Genetic Defekt:
Working through ZebraKinder — our KAT6 counterpart in Austria, filmmaker Niko Mylonas has released the production, “Genetic Defekt.” Coordinated by executive producer (USA) Emile Najm for the KAT6 Foundation and retaining its German title, the production is available in English narrated by our own Katie Bator as well as in its original German.
While the film does touch on the technical aspects of KAT6, it is, in essence, an opportunity to get acquainted with families at home and abroad who live with KAT6A and KAT6B. We of course want to educate ourselves on the ways in which the genetic defect expresses itself in its several variations, but the film centers around the daily lives of those affected.
We see in the film the spectrum from subtle, almost unnoticeable effect to severe impairment, depending on the type of gene anomaly — truncation, missense, deletion, and other variants. We meet Ella in Innsbruck and her advocate-aunt, Monika Rammal. We visit Gianna in Michigan, Samantha in Germany, Will in New York, Warren, Bay, Max, Hadley, and many more. We hear from some of the scientists and parent-advocates we’re familiar with including Dr. Jacqueline Harris, Dr. Angie Serrano, Aimee and Jeff Reitzen, Susan and George Hartung. We visit with the Najm family, who, on behalf of Peter, had the inspiration in 2017 to organize parents in starting a foundation for KAT6 support and research.
In addition to a glimpse into the everyday trials and sweet triumphs of those who live with KAT6, the film lets us spend a poignant few minutes with the parents of Helin, a girl in Germany who fell ill and, although brought to a hospital, did not survive. Her parents share the message to be learned from that tragedy.
While the film points out that the disease is yet rare, it is not new. Nor perhaps is it as rare as was previously thought. And that could be the film’s lasting contribution. Once you’ve seen it, show it to others, speak of it, send it, share it widely. Make it the centerpiece of a gathering or fund-raiser. And make clear that, whenever there is a question of a genetic irregularity in a child, testing is available. Our children deserve the care we can give, and we, as parents and caregivers, deserve the best information.
At 48 minutes in length, “Genetic Defekt” is a tool we have long needed to promote awareness of the adversity that has brought us together.
View the Trailer
About NIFF:
Filmmakers and film lovers are cordially invited to the 12th Nyack International Film Festival 2024 Opening Party Monday, April 1st 4:00pm – 5:45pm at the Fabulous Hotel Nyack! We will celebrate the upcoming week of film presentation with filmmakers, press and festival introductions, immediately followed by our first night of selected films beginning 6:00pm that Monday evening. NIFF 2024 runs Monday, April 1st through Sunday, April 7th at the Fabulous Hotel Nyack!
Hotel Nyack, is the perfect setting for a superb film festival experience! Come early, the hotel features the restaurant FARM, 3 bars, with 1 outside by the pool. Contact Hotel Nyack for overnight accommodations.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
At Nyack International Film Festival, we acknowledge the institutional oppression and trauma that marginalized communities face. As allies and change-makers, we actively seek to advocate for organizations that support communities of color, indigenous communities, communities with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, communities of varying religious beliefs and those with intersectional identities. Our diversity is our strength; built on a foundation of kindness, patience and understanding.
Get Tickets
