39 pounds of Love

Written & Directed by Award Winning filmmaker, Dani Menkin an HBO/Cinemax Film, Israeli Academy award Winner for Best Documentary, Short Listed for the Oscars

39 Pounds of Love is the inspirational and humorous non-fiction account of a remarkable man and a remarkable journey. Ami Ankilewitz was diagnosed with an extremely rare and often fatal form of SMA/2 that severely limits his physical growth and movement, yet at 34 years of age, he continues to outlive a doctor's prediction of life expectancy by 28 years. And counting. Ami, who weighs only 39 pounds, works in Israel as a 3D animator and creates his art despite the fact that his bodily motion is limited to a single finger on his left hand and in doing so, continues to redefine notions of a "limited" life. The film follows Ami's journey in search of the doctor who predicted his early demise. Along his journey, Ami attempts to come to terms with another major incident from his past and to complete a lifelong dream: To finally ride a Harley Davidson. 39 Pounds of Love is an emotional roller coaster, a fascinating, humorous and truly inspirational ride through life with someone who embodies the very term, Carpe Diem (Seize the day).

Review
"This is the best documentary of the year." --Todd Schwartz, CBS Radio

"39 Pounds of Love" presents a bracingly honest, yet poetic portrait of a man refusing to be defined by the limitations of his body." --NY Times


"If you leave this film unmoved, your probably aren't human." --Wesley Morris, The Boston Globe

Oct 1, 16:30, Laemmle Town Center, Encino - A one time screening with writer Director Dani Menkin and Elena Ankilewitz, Ami's mom from the film.

Dani Menkin http://heyjudeproductions.com/