An Update about Still Sophie
Our article about the movie, Still Sophie, was our second most popular post in 2017. Sophie Salveson grabbed our hearts with her moving aphasia story, and she entertained us with her amazing voice.
Still Sophie – Official Teaser Trailer (UltraHD) from Chad McClarnon on Vimeo.
We caught up with producer and cinematographer Chad McClarnon to hear how the film has been received as well as plans for release so you can see her story, too.
On the Film Festival Circuit
The film has been screened in 25 film festivals as well as a few non-festival spaces over the last year and a half. It has traveled through 15 states: Oklahoma, Colorado, Tennessee, Ohio, California, Alabama, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Washington, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina and Massachusetts.
There are still a few film festivals doing their schedules, so there is a chance it will screen in more states in the future.
Reactions to the Film
McClarnon marveled at the audience reaction:
This story really touches people. One of the more surprising reactions to me has been that of the treatment providers. Speech pathologist and therapists reach out to us after nearly every screening asking how they can show the film to students or to their fellow clinicians. Our amazing director, Caroline Knight, even traveled to Massachusetts and gave a presentation, along with the film, for a speech therapy conference this past year.
Winning Awards
The film has been picking up awards left and right, which, of course, increases awareness of aphasia. Some of these awards:
- Best Documentary – Red Dirt International Film Festival
- Best TN Short Doc – Nashville Film Festival
- Best Documentary Short – deadCENTER Film Festival
- Best Documentary Short – Mid Teen Film Fest
- Best Documentary Short – Knoxville Film Festival
- Best TN Documentary Short – Knoxville Film Festival
The Future of the Film
The movie will definitely be out on iTunes in the future, but they’re currently negotiating with other platforms for distribution. McClarnon did let us know that he will keep the NAA in the loop so we can pass along viewing information whenever it’s available.
And What About Sophie?
McClarnon was able to give us an update about Sophie:
Sophie is doing great! And we had such a blast going around to the film festivals together. Last April, she underwent a stem cell treatment and has seen some significant gains with her aphasia. From everything she tells me, she loves seeing herself on the big screen. She’s constantly asking me when we’re going to do Still Sophie 2.
One of the things I hope people come to realize from this is that she is actually a brilliant actress and performer. She has the training, she has the background in it, and it shows. She takes direction incredibly well and her performances are full of surprises and nuance.
I’d love to see her take on roles in the narrative film space. While she obviously has to work really hard at the words, her emotional delivery is spot on perfect, and I certainly plan on casting her in something when I first get the chance.
We can’t wait to see her on the screen again. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more about Still Sophie’s release for home viewing.
Comments
13 Comments
How much did stem cell treatment help. Consiering it for my husband
Where can I see Still Sophie?
By Emelia
Can you reccomend any story bks in relationship to aphasia
Absolutely brilliant film. I sobbed through most of it. So. dang. good. Congratulations to everyone involved, most especially to Sophie, who is a FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH.
Love Sophie! Going through early therapy, we had something in common – a positive outlook. She is a very special person!
My husband has primary progressive aphasia and his balance and speech are so affecting him really really bad. I want to see this movie “still Sofie”. How can we get it? Is there a book? Please!
I cannot wait to see the movie!!!! We too are considering stem cells for me. Where can I get more information? Thank you!!!
Greetings
Can’t wait to see Sophie..my son has expressive n receptive aphasia due to a stroke many years ago. He had suffered due to this language disorder. He is a father and grandfather n his desire is to communicate freely. Please tell me how to obtain info on stem cell. Thank you.
Gail DePry
How to obtain info on stem cell?? Thank you.
I’d like to see Still Sophie also. My daughter has Anomic Aphasia. As far as we know nothing shows on MRI to be causing this. We do know she had PTS symptoms. So far no help in the medical field for us except putting her on antidepressants. Any help available in the Albuquerque, NM area would be appreciated.
Why aren’t people’s questions on stem cells being answered please
I work at the Aphasia Centre of Ottawa in Ottawa Ontario. I would like to screen Still Sophie with our members, staff and community. Is it possible to rent or purchase a copy of the film?
I’d love to show this video to the local Stroke Recovery Group I facilitate. How am I able to watch it?