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Synopsis

Laura Henkel is eccentric, outspoken, feisty and 90 years old. She has decided she wants to end her life on her own terms. She does not have a terminal illness; she just wants to be in control of the process, and be allowed to go with dignity. And she asks her daughter Cathy and granddaughter Sam, both filmmakers, to make a film about it. As they struggle to come to terms with her choice, and discover conflicting views in the wider community, Laura applies to a clinic in Switzerland where her right to end her own life, with her family by her side, is legal. She also questions why this major event in life needs to be somber and sad, and plans a joyous farewell party. LAURA’S CHOICE explores complex questions as three generations of women travel into uncharted territory and navigate a radical, dignified and highly controversial approach to dying.

Laura Henley

Watch the trailer

Production Information

Writers

Cathy Henkel

Sam Lara

Directors

Cathy Henkel

Sam Lara

Producers

Cathy Henkel

Sam Lara

Melissa Kelly

Ryan Hodgson

Executive Producer

Chris Haws

Cinematography

Cathy Henkel

Sam Lara

Patrick Wally

Mahmudul Raz

Annie Benzie

Lewis Potts

Richard Todd

John Hewison

Sound Recordists

Alex Wilson

Steve Nossiter

Richard Hubbard

Steven Heyse

Composer

Nicolette Boaz

Editor

Nick Dunlop

Sound Mix

Josh Hogan (Envelope)

Sound Supervisor

Ned Beckley (Envelope)

Laura Henkel on VAD

“I feel I have had enough and am quite ready to go.”

“I do not want to wait for some debilitating disease to carry me away – and going into an aged care facility to endure pain and suffering to the
bitter end is not a future I choose for myself. My choice allows me to say farewell joyfully and then go to sleep in peaceful surroundings, with my family beside me at the end, while I am still able to say thank you for all they have done for me.”

– Laura Henkel

Music For Films

Composer Nicolette Boaz was a friend of Laura’s

She had the opportunity to sit down with Laura before she left for Switzerland. Laura and Nicolette spoke in length about Laura’s absolute love of classical music and her favorite pieces. This was a rare opportunity for a composer to speak directly with the main character of a documentary before they die, and then compose the score with their taste, personality and dreams in mind. international audiences to enjoy.

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