Running Time: 15 minutes
Created By Julie Hollenbeck, Mark Newbill and Ray Trujillo, Jr.
Ciguatera, the most reported “seafood toxin illness in the world” that a majority of the planet has never heard of, infects hundreds of thousands of people a year, some of whose very will to live is tested by the devastating and debilitating chronic neurological affects of the fish-borne toxin.
“Reef or Madness” a short documentary film by University of Miami Marine Affairs and Policy students Julie Hollenbeck and Mark Newbill, that recounts the struggle of chronic Ciguatera sufferers who seek to regain some semblance of their healthy and productive lives following Ciguatera infection and the incapacitating symptoms that can last for years. While Ciguatera is a recognized medical illness, many marine toxin specialists have yet to agree on how long people may suffer with the symptoms of the fish poison, leaving long-term chronic sufferers to feel as if they’re more crazy than sick. Their families and physicians wondering the same. “Reef or Madness” will give a “voice” to the sufferers of chronic Ciguatera, who face doubt, confusion and scorn from themselves, their families and friends as well as the medical and scientific communities.
If people knew that the fish they’re about to eat is like playing Russian roulette with their health, they might think twice before taking that first bite.
This film was created for $143 using personal, leveraged and collaborative resources. Thanks to all who helped make it a reality.
Marlie Productions, 2010 ©
