SYNOPSIS
At 31, Derek Dienner was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Faced with his own mortality, Derek learned how to turn tragedy into a motivator for change. As Derek reflected on his journey, he realized August 24th, 2017 was not the day he was diagnosed with cancer, but the day he became alive.
DIRECTOR STATEMENT
“As a friend and colleague of Derek, I had the misfortune yet tremendous opportunity to document his diagnosis, treatment and recovery but more interestingly perhaps, the moments in between. Being a filmmaker, Derek was bold in his on-camera examination of fear and regret in a way that I haven’t seen captured before. I do believe that this film has the power to inspire people to be vigilant yet stay positive whether the challenge they face is cancer or something entirely different.” – Allen Clements
IN THE NEWS
LNP: Derek Dienner on remaking a life after cancer
Good Day PA!: Filmmaker, cancer survivor shares documentary
For press inquiries please contact Lisbet Byler at lisbet@makefilms.cc.
CAST
Derek Dienner
Ashley Dienner
Walid Hesham, MD
Ethan Dienner
Makayla Dienner
CREW
Directors | Aaron Dienner & Allen Clements
Executive Producer | Derek Dienner
Producers | Allen Clements, Lisbet Byler, Catlin Williams, & Grace Wagner
Director of Photography | Aaron Dienner
Additional Camera | Steve Buckwalter
Behind the Scenes Camera Operator | Jacob Hopkins
Editor | Aaron Dienner
Credits & Title Design | Derek Hollister
THANK YOU
Derek would like to thank:
- Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
- Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute
- Krista Fisher for encouraging me to get the colonoscopy.
- The MAKE films crew for helping to tell my story and for their support.
- F*#K Cancer T-Shirt Crew
- My family and friends
ACCOLADES
Silver Telly Winner in Online: Documentary: Individual
Official selection in the Red Rose Film Festival
Official selection in the ReadingFilmFEST
Official selection in the Palm Beach International Mini Movie and Film Festival