Toronto, ON – Canadian actor, director and writer Andrew Moodie together with actor/writer Emily Hurson brings the short film, “MEMENTO MORI.” The Latin translation… remember you die. “MEMENTO MORI” is the brainchild of Moodie. The film fresh of its Best Short Film (Audience Award) win at the Toronto Independent Film Festival, is inspired by the director’s late friend Bonnie, who passed away after struggling for many years with Parkinson’s disease. Bonnie chose to participate in the Canadian medically assisted suicide program called MAiD, (Medical Assistance in Dying). Moodie, not familiar with the concept did not know what to expect or how to handle this moment in life. People invite friends and loved ones to be at their side during their last moments. A daunting honour and one you can never prepare for. The reality of the impending loss is everywhere. How can this moment be a celebration of life? “MEMENTO MORI” tells that story with passion and fearless honesty.
The moment stayed with Moodie, the heartbreak of losing his friend and wanting to do the right thing by her in her final hours. A few months later Moodie called on Hurson and together with a group of actors, that included Jean Yoon who played Umma on CBC’s Kim’s Convenience, decided to unwrap our fears and bring light to a process that had been so foreign to him, until now. Loss brings thoughts of our own mortality and our fears of death to the surface. Try as we can, we know that we cannot run from it. In the groups soul searching came understanding even when uncomfortable. The meaning of “MEMENTO MORI” (remember you die) is part of the that evolution. It’s a reminder of a thought we would rather ignore. It definitely makes life more ‘real’ so we do everything to avoid and pretend it is not true. We’re comfortable in the ’script’ we’ve written for ourselves and are afraid of the fact… that we are going to die. Everyone around us is going to die. Sobering…yes, but only as a reminder to live our lives every day in the best way we can. There are signs from time to time in our lives, reminders that we will not be here forever, pay attention and always remember to give life the respect it deserves. “MEMENTO MORI” is a celebration of written and directed with passion, and respect, reminding us that life is a gift……don’t waste a moment.
Andrew Moodie began his career on stage. The award-winning actor, writer and director’s passion is legendary and has given him a seat at the industry table. Moodie is well known for his TV roles as Simon Frontenac in Orphan Black and Teku Fonsei in Dark Matter, Moodie also wrote the award-winning plays ‘Riot’ and ‘Toronto The Good.’
“Let us balance life’s books each day. … The one who puts the finishing touches on their life each day is never short of time.” Seneca
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