Mito-Kids: Documenting Life

Mito-Kids: Documenting Life

Produced by Karlina Lyons

Overview

Genre
Human Interest, Science, Culture, Personal Doc, and Biography
Synopsis

Mito-Kids is the story of four teenage sisters who have grown up with disabilities that stem from mitochondrial disease, a chronic, genetic disorder that occurs when the mitochondria of the cell fail to function properly. This is an intimate and personal story that aims to increase the understanding of mitochondrial disease and its connection to epilepsy, diabetes, ALS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Heart Disease and many other neurological disorders. In addition to the family footage, interviews with medical experts and original animation break down the role of mitochondria in producing cellular energy and explain what happens to the human body when these cellular powerhouses fail. The incidence of mitochondrial disease is estimated at 1:3000-4000 individuals in the US and yet the disease is relatively unheard of in the public sector and poorly understood in the medical community.

Stage
finished
Running time
18 minutes

Credits

Production Details

Prod. Co.
Hatchling
Country
United States
Years of Production
2007-2009
Locations
New Hampshire and Massachusetts

Distribution Details

Release year
2009
Festivals
NHFF
Awards
Best NH Documentary at NHFF 2009
Language
English, ASL
Subtitles
English during ASL scenes

Photos

1347b7c7523d19d3125e453ff1deda19

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