Arizona Public Media Original Documentary Premiere, February 22 on PBS 6

Tucson, AZ, February 10, 2016 (Newswire.com) - Arizona Public Media’s (AZPM) original documentaryPassing On sheds light on a subject most people shy away from: end of life. The long-form documentary, produced by award winning filmmaker Tom Kleespie and narrated by Scott Simon, host of NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday, encourages a thoughtful dialogue about end-of-life issues and the need to have critical conversations about one’s wishes for their final days. Passing On premieres on February 22 at 9 p.m. on PBS 6.

Death is as much a part of human existence as is life, yet it remains a mysterious and often taboo subject. Passing On explores death and dying through a series of compelling, personal and thought provoking stories that will engage viewers and provide valuable information about planning for end-of-life.

“As a filmmaker, it is a tremendous honor and huge responsibility telling someone else’s story,” said Kleespie. “Each story that we tell inPassing On contains a valuable lesson, a moral that I hope the audience will take away with them. The families featured in this documentary allowed us in during one of the most difficult times in their lives. I hope viewers will realize the importance of dealing with these issues if they ever find themselves in a similar situation.”

Filming began in January 2015 when Kleespie interviewed physician and noted author Betsy MacGregor, who shared her recollections and work with dying patients.

Field production began in April with several interviews with hospice experts as well as patients. In May, Dr. Sue Taylor, the Director of Palliative Care at Tucson Medical Center, provided a personal and in-depth practicing physician’s perspective of end-of-life issues.

Through Dr. Taylor’s contacts, Kleespie and his crew spent much of the summer on call filming at the bedsides of several patients and their families who were willing to share their stories about their end-of-life journey.

In July, the crew traveled to La Crosse, Wisconsin to learn more about a town where more than 90 percent of residents have completed advanced directives. The nationwide average is just 30 percent. Why are this town’s residents so much more prepared for end-of-life issues than the vast majority of Americans? Kleespie interviewed several experts and locals to find out.

In September, the crew was honored to spend several days with Dr. VJ Periyakoil of the Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Periyakoil is one of the most well-known and respected physicians in the country for her research on the varied cultural aspects surrounding end-of-life issues. Her work is invaluable to medical professionals who must sensitively communicate important information to people across a wide array of cultures and native customs.

Major funding for Passing On was provided by The David and Lura Lovell Foundation. Additional funding provided by The Marshall Foundation. Media may request an advanced copy of the full documentary or schedule an interview with the filmmakers, email Jessica Stephens at [email protected].

About AZPM
AZPM is an Emmy® award-winning, member-supported media organization serving all of Southern Arizona. AZPM has six public television channels and three radio stations, including PBS 6, PBS Kidsand NPR 89.1. AZPM produces local content from its digital studios on the campus of the University of Arizona and is provided as a community service and educational resource. More information about AZPM, including program schedules and Video-on-Demand offerings, can be found online at azpm.org.

Arizona Public Media® and AZPM® are registered trademarks of the Arizona Board of Regents.

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