The rock band No Evidence of Disease, also known as N.E.D., consists of six gynecological oncologists. Filmmaker Andrea Kalin's documentary profiles the N.E.D. doctors, who use Skype to rehearse, as they don't all live in the same city. With their mandolins and harmonies, the band leans towards the roots rock end of the spectrum, sounding as professional as any other group making music for a living, although it's only a small part of their lives. Spread across the U.S., Joanie Mayer Hope and Nimesh Magarsheth live in New York, John Soper and John Boggess reside in North Carolina, William “Rusty” Robinson is in New Orleans, and Will Winter lives in Portland, OR. According to Robinson, there are 750-800 gynecological surgeons in the United States. Since the job includes delivering bad news, Boggess sees music as a form of release. In a radio interview, Mayer Hope says that it "has been a healing medium for us.” It also brings them into contact with colleagues with whom to commiserate and to compare notes. All six hope to raise awareness through their concerts about the cancers they are treating. Kalin also profiles patients who have received testing or treatment for cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancer: some emerged from the operating room with an expectation of living full lives; for others, the doctors were able to buy them some extra time, but their cancers were too advanced to do more. Near the end of the film, one of the sextet relocates to Alaska in order to serve as the state's only gynecological surgeon, thus saving patients from having to travel to the Lower 48 to receive proper medical care. An engaging profile of a rocking band of activist medical professionals, this is recommended.
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
No Evidence of Disease would be a valuable documentary resource for community colleges and universities offering classes in health sciences, health policy and women’s health.
What kind of film collection would this title be suitable for?
No Evidence of Disease would be a valued resource for film collections focusing on health sciences, health policy, women’s health, and communications. The film could also fit into any unique library programs or events such as GYN Cancer Awareness Month in September or Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in May.
Director’s Bio
Andrea Kalin is the creative visionary and founder of Spark Media, a production company dedicated to crafting stories with a strong social conscience. Her films have aired on major networks around the globe, screened theatrically to sold-out audiences, and earned more than 100 industry awards, including a Prime Time Emmy, Golden Globe and WGA nominations. Andrea specializes in bringing to viewers the emotional front line where lives of courage, perseverance and dignity transcend seemingly insurmountable hardships.
Accolades
“The raw, emotional film by Andrea Kalin brings the statistics to life by featuring women of all ages battling GYN cancers.” - Stephanie Steinberg, US News & World Report
“The doc follows these insanely hardworking and dedicated people from their homes to the stage and to the patients they care for.” - Henry Rollins, LA Weekly
“The thought-provoking film is fueling grassroots advocacy, while spreading the word about women’s crucial healthcare needs.” - Laurel Fishman, Grammy.com
“A compelling new documentary…both uplifting and heartbreaking.” - Chris Gerard, Metro Weekly
“Awesome discovery.” - Robin Hilmantel, Women’s Health
“Gripping, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting.” - Byran Abrams, The Credits
Awards
- Madelyn’s Choice Award, Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival
- CINE Golden Eagle Award
- TIVA-DC Gold Peer Award
- Accolade Award
Festivals and Special Screenings
- Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival
- Cinequest Film Festival
- Big Picture Film Festival
- LA Femme International Film Festival
- Everett Film Festival
- Special screening, live musical performance, and discussion event at the U.S. Capitol, co-sponsored by Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz
- Centerpiece of Regal Cinemas World Cancer Day Event in 45 theaters in the United States and Canada. All screenings were accompanied by a panel of survivors and GYN oncologists
- Nearly 200 community screenings coordinated by cancer advocacy organizations internationally
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Cathy with N.E.D.'s first album
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Dr. John Boggess in the OR
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Jennie McGihon; Photo by Jen Fariello
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Dr. Joanie Hope at the Aladdin Theater in Portland, Oregon
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Dr. John Soper at the Aladdin in Portland, Oregon
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Dr. Nimesh Nagarsheth at the Aladdin Theater in Portland, Oregon
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Dr. John Boggess at the Aladdin in Portland, Oregon
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Dr. Rusty Robinson at the Aladdin Theater in Portland, Oregon
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Dr. Will Winter at the Aladdin in Portland, Oregon
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Dancing at a N.E.D. performance at the Race to End Women's Cancer, Washington DC
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N.E.D. performs at the Race to End Women's Cancer