Monthly Archives: January 2011

Hilary’s Daughter

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When I wrote Hilary’s family to let them know that Hilary’s story will be on The Passionate Eye tomorrow, daughter Jenny (who’s featured in the documentary) wrote me back such a moving email that I asked her if I could share it: “I am making up posters to put up around town telling people when

When the Devil Knocks – the story behind the story

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Did you know that dissociative identity disorder is about as common as bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia? Or that our personalities actually start out fractured…and normally integrate as we age? Find out much more about dissociative identity disorder and the making of When the Devil Knocks when you listen to Helen Slinger and Radio Canada International’s

Hilary’s Moment at the Film Festival

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The Vancouver International Film Festival in October 2010 was an absolute high for Hilary from beginning to end.  I thought she might be nervous given that, when we first met, she was very afraid that people seeing her story would think she was crazy. But she wasn’t scared at all – she was happy and

Bringing Hilary’s Alters to Life

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One of my favourite memories from making When the Devil Knocks is really a series of memories about how to make Hilary’s “alters” (other personalities) come alive. I was there when Hilary sat down with her therapist, Cheryl Malmo, to watch some of the videotape as different personalities emerged during therapy. Hilary found it really

Thinking About Hilary

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Getting ready for the When the Devil Knocks broadcast premiere 26 January, I’ve been thinking a lot about Hilary, and missing her. When we first met four or so years ago, she was very fragile.  I remember sitting in her little living room, with Hilary and her beloved partner Debbie, and having Hilary ask me

How I Really Feel About Cats

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First of all, a big thank you to all of you who took the time to respond after our film Cat Crazed aired last week on the CBC.  Most of you were quite complimentary.  To those who took offense, I’d like to respond briefly. Because I disagree with you doesn’t make me a cat hater.  In

In Memory of Hilary Stanton

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A month after a truly triumphant appearance at the Vancouver Film Festival in October 2010, Hilary Stanton died in a car accident in Mexico. Director Helen Slinger, and the crew of Bountiful Films, came to care deeply for Hilary during the production of When the Devil Knocks. We are honoured to have known her and feel

Cat Crazed – Watch the film, then decide

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Did an interview with Radio Canada International about Cat Crazed – RCI is the CBC’s shortwave international service. Host began by asking me whether I was a cat or bird person – he couldn’t tell from the film! I took that as a compliment because trying very hard to advance the conversation about the needs