#USA #Minneapolis #Come Talk to Me #Jackie Hunt #Deacon Warner

The Journey of Communication: Launch of COMETALKTOMEFILM.COM

In a groundbreaking initiative, independent filmmaker Deacon Warner and Parkinson's disease advocate Jackie Hunt Christensen have unveiled the official website for their much-anticipated documentary, "Come Talk to ME". The site, cometalktomefilm.com, serves as a platform for viewers to engage with the critical themes of communication affected by Parkinson's disease.

Understanding Parkinson’s Communication Challenges

The film delves into the profound implications that Parkinson's disease has on communication, a crucial aspect of maintaining personal relationships. Warner emphasizes the importance of this project, stating, "This site makes it easy for anyone to learn about some of the ways Parkinson's can affect communication." Through the site, visitors can subscribe to updates on the film's release and even express interest in hosting local screenings, fostering community involvement and awareness.

Following the Journey of Advocacy

At the heart of the documentary is the emotional journey of Jackie Hunt Christensen, her husband Paul, and a spirited group of Parkinson's advocates. Their stories illuminate the various forms of communication that become essential as the disease progresses. Impressively, the film not only highlights personal narratives but also engages with broader community issues surrounding Parkinson's, including insights from their two grown sons who share how 27 years of living with the disease has shaped their family dynamic.

Innovative Use of Technology

A standout feature of the documentary is Christensen's groundbreaking use of artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate her voice as it sounded four years post-diagnosis. This AI voice, dubbed "JHC2K", plays a pivotal role in the film, posing questions sourced from her current self and serving as the film's narrator. This unique approach not only enhances the storytelling but also showcases a novel method of engaging with the changes caused by the disease.

Commitment to Awareness and Accessibility

Despite the challenges of production, Jackie remains steadfast in her mission to raise awareness around the impact of Parkinson's on communication. She aims for the website and the corresponding film to be inclusive and informative, asserting, "I want this website and this film to be interesting and useful to anyone—because anyone can get Parkinson's." Notably, the site is designed to ensure accessibility, with nearly all content written at a fifth-grade reading level in both English and Spanish. This commitment to accessibility creates a path for shared understanding, as Jackie believes that communication is critical to everyone's well-being.

Looking Ahead

Currently in post-production, the documentary is set to be completed by the end of 2025 and will premiere at film festivals and community screenings starting in 2026. The project's launch has already sparked conversations about the intersection of technology, communication, and healthcare, making it a timely and essential documentary in understanding the human experience with Parkinson's.

As the film approaches its release, Warner and Christensen hope to foster discussions around the importance of communication in caregiving and the challenges faced by those affected by Parkinson's. Their work exemplifies the potential of storytelling to create meaningful change and understanding in the realm of health and personal relationships.

In conclusion, as we await the completion of "Come Talk to ME", the launch of cometalktomefilm.com marks an exciting step in advocating for those affected by Parkinson’s disease and ensuring that their voices continue to be heard and understood.