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N.E.D.: No Evidence of Disease cover image

N.E.D.: No Evidence of Disease 2013

Recommended

Distributed by Candy Factory Films, 518-450-8611
Produced by Andrea Kalin and Spark Media, 1823 Jefferson Place, Washington, DC 20036
Directed by Andrea Kalin
DVD, color, 57 min.



High School - General Adult
Gynecologic Cancer, Women’s Cancer Surgeons, Physician Rock Bands

Date Entered: 10/27/2015

Reviewed by Gary D. Byrd, University at Buffalo (SUNY)

This often entertaining, and sometimes disturbing, documentary film highlights the efforts of six gynecologic cancer surgeons (five men and one woman) from five different parts of the United States who have joined forces to help spread the word among women about the importance of recognizing the early signs and systems of ovarian, cervical, uterine, endometrial, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Using performances of their rock band named “N.E.D.” they work through the power of music to spread the word that early detection of these cancers greatly increases the odds that their surgical and other treatment outcomes will show “No Evidence of Disease.”

The film interweaves energetic rock performances and rehearsals of the N.E.D. rock band with the often harrowing experiences of the cancer patients these surgeon-musicians were treating. Along the way the band members talk about the personal rewards and emotional challenges of working with women with cancer and they also help each viewer to understand the specific signs and symptoms that all women should recognize quickly as potential cancer warnings to discuss immediately with their doctor.

N.E.D.’s director, Andrea Kalin, is a prime time Emmy Award winning director and independent producer of some 40 other documentary films on social issues, including other health issues such as diet, exercise and hospice care. Kalin and Spark Media, the production company she founded, have received over 70 awards at film festivals and from peers in the film industry, including three in 2013 for N.E.D.

Awards

  • Golden Eagle award at the Cine Golden Eagle Film and Video Competition, 2013
  • two peer awards from the Television, Internet and Video Association of the District of Columbia (TIVO-DC), 2013