Documentary series A Mystery to Me will be premiering at the 2020 Chicago International Film Festival, running Oct. 14-25. The series sheds light on the uncommon neuromuscular disease Myasthenia Gravis (MG). Chicago’s own Sarofsky Pictures, director Ben Strang (Beast), in conjunction with Kartemquin Films and Museum + Crane are producing.
The short stories zero in on the lives of three people living with MG, a rare chronic autoimmune disease. The disease manifests as debilitating and potentially life-threatening muscle weakness in individuals of all ages, many of whom are unaware of the disease and unable to be accurately diagnosed or get help. The series looks to highlight both those who suffer from MG and how their loved ones deal with the disease. The first installment of A Mystery to Me looks into the life of vibrant personal trainer Vanetta Drummer-Fenton (pictured above).
The production team was forced to work around restrictions on travel and filming due to Covid-19 right before the project was to start. In fact, all of this happening just one day before filming, almost forfeiting the project in its entirety. Production knew that a bit of creativity was in order. Without a pause, all three subjects were mailed a Sony Alpha A6600 Digital Camera and sound recorders to use to film themselves.
Strang spoke with the subjects constantly; conceiving shots from their conversations. With Strang’s direction, each subject’s hands-on assistance, and Director of Photography David Bolen’s remote operation of cameras – Strange was able to capture his vision in full. “What surprised us the most is how excited our incredible subjects were to participate in the production in such a tactile way,” says Strang. “No documentary is possible without great subjects, and this production is a testament to the immense enthusiasm and persistence of Vanetta Drummer-Fenton, Teresa Hill Putnam and Glenn Phillips. They were as much a part of the film crew as they were subjects, and we’re so proud of the subtle moments we all collectively captured together.”
The “A Mystery to Me” series is making it’s virtual premiere on Nov. 17, 2020, at MG-United.com, a digital lifestyle resource for people with MG.
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