Open Eye Pictures and Shadow Distribution present the U.S. theatrical release of the timely docu “Under Our Skin,” by Andy Abrahams Wilson, which was an official selection of the 2008 Tribeca and Silverdocs film festivals.
A tale of microbes, medicine and money, “Under Our Skin” investigates the untold story of Lyme disease, an emerging epidemic with staggering ramifications. The documentary provides a powerful and often terrifying look not only at the science and politics of the disease, but also the personal stories of those whose lives have been affected and nearly destroyed. Each year thousands go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, told that their symptoms are “all in their head.”
Following the stories of patients, the film brings into focus a haunting picture of our health care system and its inability to cope with a silent and growing terror, and of a medical establishment all too willing to put profits ahead of patients. From a few brave doctors who risk their medical licenses, to patients who once led active lives but now can barely walk, the film uncovers a hidden world that will astound viewers. While exposing a broken health care and medical research system, the film also gives voice to those who believe that instead of a crisis, Lyme is simply a “disease du jour,” over diagnosed and contributing to another crisis: the looming resistance of microbes and ineffectuality of antibiotics.
Director Andy Abrahams Wilson studied journalism and anthropology at Northwestern University and received an MA from USC in visual anthropology and film. He is an Emmy-nominated producer and director of creative non-fiction films. Credits include the HBO special and multi-award winning “Bubbeh Lee & Me” and the Sundance Channel broadcast “Hope Is The Thing With Feathers”.