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Dear
SPUC supporter,
Be inspired this February and join us for our popular online Culture Club on Monday 23rd February (7.30-9.30pm), where, in the first half, we'll be discussing the powerful life-affirming movie, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.
In light of the continued fight in Parliament over the legalisation of assisted suicide, this award-winning 2007 adaptation of Jean-Dominique Bauby’s 1997 memoir remains both urgent and timely.
Bauby enjoyed a high-flying life as top journalist and editor of French fashion magazine, Elle, before a life-changing stroke at the age of 43 left him completely paralysed in a state of 'locked-in syndrome'. His mind remained fully alert, but the only physical movement he could make was to blink his left eyelid — even unable to breathe, swallow or eat without assistance. A dedicated therapist helps Bauby develop a system of communication, which involves blinking to spell out words one letter at a time. The first thing he spells out is 'I want to die'. The movie, however, is an overcoming story of life-changing poignancy, with exquisite production and performances which won awards and nominations in every category.
The film is currently available to view on Amazon Prime Video, as well as on DVD. Bauby's original 1997 memoir is also widely available in print, digital and audiobook formats. We invite you to join in our discussion of how The Diving Bell and the Butterfly contributes to the pro-life message, as well as what pro-life creatives can learn from it about the arts of narrative, directing and film-making.
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