Laura’s Choice
Laura Henkel is eccentric, outspoken, feisty and 90 years old. She has decided she wants to end her life on her own terms, and she asks her daughter Cathy and granddaughter Sam, both filmmakers, to make a film about it. LAURA’S CHOICE explores complex questions as three generations of women navigate a radical approach to dying
Virgo Productions Pty Ltd
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.
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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.
Production Gallery
