Since 2010, 120 rural hospitals have closed across the U.S.; disproportionately, over half are in the South. 2019 proved a record year for closures, and the trend shows no signs of slowing.
In more populous areas, patients have options–they can drive slightly farther and see a different doctor. But in rural areas, where residents are often already located far from their healthcare, such closures have left thousands stranded, a hundred miles or more from their nearest hospital, and often with limited mobility.
Native North Carolinian Ramin Bahrani will explore the deteriorating healthcare options available in the rural South and the looming threat of a full-blown crisis for these communities.
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RAMIN BAHRANI, DIRECTOR
RAMIN BAHRANI is an Emmy-nominated writer, director and producer. In 2010 legendary film critic Roger Ebert proclaimed Bahrani as “the director of the decade.” His feature films, MAN PUSH CART, CHOP SHOP, GOODBYE SOLO, AT ANY PRICE and 99 HOMES have won numerous awards. Bahrani’s television film, FAHRENHEIT 451, for HBO was nominated for 5 Emmys. His most recent documentary, BLOOD KIN, premiered at the 2018 Venice Film Festival where he also served as President of the Debut Film Jury. His latest film is an adaptation of the Man Booker Prize winning novel, THE WHITE TIGER, for Netflix.
PAMELA RYAN & JASON ORANS, PRODUCERS
JASON ORANS and PAMELA RYAN produce for GIGANTIC PICTURES, a New York City-based feature film, documentary and television production company. Films in current and recent release include Boaz Yakin’s thriller BOARDING SCHOOL, Ramin Bahrani’s BLOOD KIN (Venice Film Festival 2018), FRANK SERPICO and NIGHT SCHOOL, currently in development as a scripted series. Prior films include the music doc HEARTWORN HIGHWAYS REVISITED, THE GREAT INVISIBLE, 99%: THE OCCUPY WALL STREET COLLABORATIVE FILM (Sundance Documentary Competition), NIGHT CATCHES US, DARE (Sundance U.S. Narrative Competition), GOODBYE SOLO (Venice FIPRESCI Prize) and PLASTIC BAG.
SUMMER SHELTON, PRODUCER
SUMMER SHELTON was the recipient of the 2018 Independent Spirit Piaget Producer’s Award. Films in current and recent release include MAINE (2018 Tribeca Film Festival) and KEEP THE CHANGE (2017 Tribeca Film Festival). She was Executive Producer of PEOPLE PLACES THINGS, produced ICARUS (2014 Sundance Film Festival). She works alongside critically acclaimed director Ramin Bahrani, as Associate Producer of GOODBYE SOLO; Co-Producer of PLASTIC BAG, and Associate Producer of AT ANY PRICE.