February 1, 2021
Laura’s Choice Documentary Film
Laura’s Choice Documentary Film Synopsis
Laura’s Choice follows the fiercely independent nonagenarian Laura Henkel who decides she would like to choose when and how she dies. Laura Henkel died at Pegasos Swiss Association in December 2019.
Most importantly, Laura invited along her daughter Cathy Henkel and granddaughter Sam Lara (both filmmakers and co-directors) to lend their support and capture her death on film.
As western countries begin to legalise euthanasia for the terminally ill, because Laura was relatively healthy, her journey lead her inevitably to Switzerland where assisted dying for the non-terminally ill is permitted.
Laura could never have gotten help to die at home in Australia (because she was not sick).
Laura’s Choice documentary film offers so much more than just insight into the process of assisted voluntary death.
Rather the film is an invitation to join a family on a respectful and incredibly personal journey.
By working closely with Exit International, the level of access to the intimacy of Laura’s final days is unprecedented; there’s a seat waiting for viewers at the foot of the bed.
In conclusion, Laura’s Choice is a lasting memorial to a much-loved matriarch and a call-to-arms for more inclusivity in euthanasia legislation around the word.
Laura’s Choice fulfills its promise as the winner of the Hot Docs prize at AIDC in 2020.
Where to Watch
Laura’s Choice is currently available until March 2022 on ABC TV
For those outside Australia, use a VPN and go to: ABC iView
A series of 7 mini docs is also available.
Laura completes her final paperwork at Pegasos Swiss Association, December 2019
Laura and Philip Nitschke in Basel, December 2019
Looking Forward …
In 2021, the team behind ‘Laura’s Choice’ announced the film had secured international release.
Read more in If Magazine
Watch this space for further updates globally.