39 Pounds of Love
Encyclopedia
39 Pounds of Love is a film written and directed by Dani Menkin
, with co-writer, Ilan Heitner. It stars Ami Ankilewitz, a 34 year-old Israeli 3D animator who lived with Spinal Muscular Atrophy
(SMA). The documentary centers on his journey across the United States by motorhome to find the doctor who told his mother when he was born that he would not live past the age of 6. The title refers to the fact that Ankilewitz weighed only 39 pounds during his cross-country trip due to the rare form of SMA/2 that he was born with. Even though he could not move any part of his body except for one finger, he was still determined to use that finger to create 3D animations and live his life as he would if he had not suffered from SMA. "39 Pounds of Love" was officially released on April 5, 2005 and was re-released on DVD on October 6, 2009.
Film Festivals, and won the Audience Award at both the Tallgrass
and Boston Jewish Film Festival
. The film was also placed on the Oscar
short list
for the Best Documentary Feature category in 2005.
The documentary was produced by Asfur, Hilla Medalia and Daniel J. Chalfen, and was both written and directed by Dani Menkin, with co-writer, Ilan Heitner.
The animations in the film were all created by Ankilewitz.
Dani Menkin
Dani Menkin is an Israeli film director, screenwriter and producer.- Biography :Dani Menkin was born in Tel-Aviv in 1970. He is married to Miriam and they have one daughter. They currently live in Herzelia....
, with co-writer, Ilan Heitner. It stars Ami Ankilewitz, a 34 year-old Israeli 3D animator who lived with Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Spinal muscular atrophy
Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a neuromuscular disease characterized by degeneration of motor neurons, resulting in progressive muscular atrophy and weakness. The clinical spectrum of SMA ranges from early infant death to normal adult life with only mild weakness...
(SMA). The documentary centers on his journey across the United States by motorhome to find the doctor who told his mother when he was born that he would not live past the age of 6. The title refers to the fact that Ankilewitz weighed only 39 pounds during his cross-country trip due to the rare form of SMA/2 that he was born with. Even though he could not move any part of his body except for one finger, he was still determined to use that finger to create 3D animations and live his life as he would if he had not suffered from SMA. "39 Pounds of Love" was officially released on April 5, 2005 and was re-released on DVD on October 6, 2009.
Awards
"39 Pounds of Love" won Best Documentary at both the Tahoe/Reno and Palm BeachPalm Beach International Film Festival
The Palm Beach International Film Festival is a film festival in the United States held in Palm Beach, Florida which showcases over 120 films annually in April for over 20,000 attendees...
Film Festivals, and won the Audience Award at both the Tallgrass
Tallgrass Film Festival
The Tallgrass Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Wichita, Kansas. It was founded in 2003 by Timothy Gruver, and is operated by the non-profit organization Tallgrass Film Association.It is a four-day independent film festival, open to the public, and screens roughly 120 features and...
and Boston Jewish Film Festival
The Boston Jewish Film Festival
The Boston Jewish Film Festival is a non-competitive annual festival that screens the best contemporary films on Jewish themes from around the world...
. The film was also placed on the Oscar
Academy Awards
An Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
short list
Short list
A short list or shortlist is a list of candidates for a job, prize, award, political position, etc., that has been reduced from a longer list of candidates . The length of short lists varies according to the context.-U.S...
for the Best Documentary Feature category in 2005.
Cast and Credits
"39 Pounds of Love" follows Ankilewitz on his journey across the United States with his best friend and caretaker, Asaf. The film also includes Ankilewitz's brother, Oscar, and his mother, Helena.The documentary was produced by Asfur, Hilla Medalia and Daniel J. Chalfen, and was both written and directed by Dani Menkin, with co-writer, Ilan Heitner.
The animations in the film were all created by Ankilewitz.