The latest of Kavery Kaul's documentaries, now making its way around the festivals/screenings circuit, has two New York screenings in June. The first, on June 11 at 3 pm, is at the Maysles Cinema, a NYC documentaries stronghold. And the other is on June 22 at 7 pm, is presented by the Brain Injury Association of New York State, the headquarters of the community most effected by the film's subject, the effects of traumatic brain injury and how, with the patience of a saint and the persistence of a pit bull, they can be overcome.
Kaul's famously intimate and character-driven approach to filmmaking is forceful in Back Walking Forward, telling the story of Eric, who at age 19 was derailed in an auto accident and who, at age 33, is trying to learn to walk again. Eric's parents, who've restructured their lives to support their son, are key players in the film, too, along with Eric's brother, best friend and doctor. They're the best support team a derailed fellow could have.
With team Eric in focus and attendant experts to comment on new research findings about how the brain works, repairs itself and navigates new synapses, Kaul sets about setting aside viewers' preconceptions about brain injuries and the condition and prospects of those who sustain them. In fact, the film shows us that Eric, whose been so severely disabled, has much to teach us. He is actually a great -- if unintentional -- teacher. We learn as we observe his logic and come to understand his unexpected humor. We learn that we should not ignore or isolate brain injured people, but include them as much as possible in social situations.
Traumatic brain injury can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. Kavery Kaul's primer on the subject is invaluable for medical personnel who deal with brain injured patients, families with members who are brain injured, school kids of all ages, social workers and everybody else. We all need to realize that not all minds work alike, and that brain injuries produce what is undoubtedly a very different -- and perhaps difficult -- spectrum of thought and capabilities.
Back Walking Forward really gives you a lot to think about. So does Kavery Kaul, whose comments in a recent interview are mind-expanding.
(PHOTO: Kavery Kaul speaks with Eric and his mom, Susan, on set. Courtesy Kavery Kaul/Riverfilms)
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