Mr. Connolly Has ALS
Mr. Connolly Has ALS is a 2017 short documentary film that shows the emotional and inspiring tale of Mr. Gene Connolly. It was filmed and directed by Dan Habib and took place in Concord, New Hampshire at Concord High School.[1] In 2014, Connolly was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) but decided to continue his job as principal of Concord High School. He allowed Habib to record the next two years of his life and create this documentary.[2][3]
Summary
The film opens showing images and videos of Mr. Connolly participating and going about his job as principal of Concord High School with narration by Habib. Habib then goes on to describe his son Samuel, who has cerebral palsy, and his close relationship with Mr. Connolly. Habib mentions how their relationship blossomed over the similarities with their disabilities. The film then shows video from back to school night in 2014 where Connolly can be seen slurring words during his speech. This was among the first signs of Connolly's unfortunate disease. The film then focuses on Connolly's impact and activity in the school community. Even with his new situation, Connolly was seen smiling and greeting his students each day.
One of the more touching moments of the film is when each of the 1,600 students at Concord High School ask Mr. Connolly a question about his illness one by one.[4] Some of the students asked about his new life, others asked medical questions regarding his illness, and some even asked harder, more emotional questions. The film then shifts to Mr. Connolly's home where his wife describes some of the day-to-day struggles that come with ALS. These struggles involve getting ready for work each morning, eating, and getting good amounts of sleep. The film also touches on Connolly's love of rock and roll music and how he started playing the electric guitar in his 50s.[4] After his diagnosis, Connolly knew that soon he wouldn't be able to play the instrument he loved. For this reason, a concert was set up so that Mr. Connolly could play his electric guitar one last time.
When Mr. Connolly's last year as principal arrives, the film shows some of the activities done by Connolly and the school to raise awareness for ALS. It is here where Connolly shares his idea of spreading love to others. He proclaims that it is always the right time to tell others that you love them. The film then comes to a close as Connolly attends and gives a speech during the last graduation under his tenure as principal. In his speech Connolly tells his students, "life isn't for the faint of heart. Live it with purpose."[5] Mr. Gene Connolly died in 2018.
Awards and festival screenings
The short documentary was featured at many film festivals where it received some critical acclaim. Some of its selections include the Awareness Festival, The Heartland Film Festival, the New Hampshire Film Festival, and the Inclús Film Festival. The film was also nominated for awards such as the Ida Documentary Awards for best short and won at the 2018 Chagrin Film Fest,[6] Sarasota Film Festival, and the DAM Short Film Festival.[7]
References
- ↑ Willingham, Leah (December 26, 2017). "Themes of 'Mr. Connolly Has ALS' go far beyond Concord's borders". Concord Monitor. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Wisecarver, Meagan. "Concord filmmaker's work explores ALS". Seacoast Online. Retrieved 2020-03-24. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Brindley, Rick Ganley, Michael. "Documentary Chronicles Former Concord High School Principal's ALS Diagnosis". New Hampshire Public Radio. Retrieved 2020-03-24. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ 4.0 4.1 Habib, Dan. "Mr. Connolly Has ALS". WORLD Channel. Retrieved 2020-03-07.
- ↑ "Mr. Connolly, An Inspiration To Students, Dies From ALS". Life Matters Media. 2018-08-21. Retrieved 2020-03-07.
- ↑ "Winners 2018". chagrin. Retrieved 2020-03-24. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Mr. Connolly Has ALS". Institute on Disability/UCED. 2017-10-11. Retrieved 2020-03-24.
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