When I Walk chronicles film-maker’s life with MS

A multiple award-winning film, When I Walk, to be screened on the Coast this week, chronicles Director/Producer/Writer/Editor Jason DaSilva’s emotional and inspiring journey during the six years following his multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Since its 2013 release, the film was named a Critics Pick by New York Times and Village Voice, and picked up a host of prestigious awards, including Best Canadian Feature at Hot Docs 2013; Vancouver International Film Fest’s Audience Award;  Topanga Film Fest’s Innovation Award. Local audiences may thank the Sunshine Coast Film Society for arranging two local screenings of this deeply moving documentary. View it at the Sechelt Seniors Centre on Sunday afternoon, February 9 at 2:30 p.m., at the Sechelt Seniors Centre or at Gibsons Heritage Playhouse on Monday evening, February 10 at 7:30 p.m. Associate Producer Cari Green will be present at the Gibsons screening for a Q&A.

In 2006, 25-year-old Jason DaSilva was on vacation at the beach with family when, suddenly, his legs just stopped working; his disease – multiple sclerosis, diagnosed just a few months earlier – could no longer be ignored.  Reminded that, despite his disease, he was still a fortunate kid who had the opportunity to pursue the things he loved most: art and filmmaking, Jason picked up the camera, turned it on his declining body, and set out on a worldwide journey in search of healing, self-discovery, and love.

DeSilva explained he made the film because “people need to see how a degenerative disease impacts the lives of those living with it.” Through the process, he came to see that “my diagnosis was not the end of the world. Instead, and with a bit of determination, it has proven to be a new way for me to see and be in the world. As director, my role was to foster that spirit, to learn to adapt, and enjoy the ride.”

An emotional documentary filled with unexpected moments of humor and joy, When I Walk is a life-affirming film driven by a young man’s determination to survive — and to make sense of a devastating disease through the art of cinema.

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