Got Healthcare? (the question of the century) is a 90 minute documentary film. This stream of conversation documentary is a passionate energetic discussion on the various issues that continue to surround health care reform in America and the world. Doctors, nurses, and activists (both pro and con on reform) seemingly converse in a give and take of ideas compared and contrasted through editing. It was shot beginning in 2009 during the height of street protests, as formation of the current U.S. law was debated. The film contains updated reactions to the new law from as late as 2012. The film focuses on the issue of a single payer (Medicare for all) system, unlike any other health care related films that are currently prominent.
Out in the Street Films is happy to have Maureen Cruise, RN, join their team as an executive producer for distribution. Maureen was one of the main activists interviewed in the film, and upon seeing the final cut became enthused about having the film widely seen. She has a wealth of experience in politics and as a retired public health care nurse in Los Angeles County. She is a walking encyclopedia on all issues concerning healthcare reform. The stream of conversation film style uses interviewees to tell the story and explain concepts instead of the more traditional high profile "name" actor with cute graphics. The film was shot on a very low original production budget of about $3,000 and without a production crew by producer-director-photographer, Jon Raymond. Jon also edited the film. The final effect is an unpolished gritty street reality look, as much out of necessity as by choice.
Current global corporate pressures threaten to to water down or
remove social and economic benefits in numerous Euro nations, including healthcare. A recent United Kingdom news article titled,
Fury as first privately run NHS hospital racks up £4.1m loss (Oct
28 2012 by Nick Dorman, The People) indicates that the NHS (Britain's
National Health Service) failed at an attempt to privatize health care
with patient satisfaction down from 1st to 14th place. As you may know,
Europeans are very aware of what happens in the US, often incredulous
even, and rightly so. Understanding our very sick system, might prepare
worldwide audiences for any such moves on the part of their
increasingly right-of-center veering administrations. A clear
unapologetic view of the US for-profit system and it's criminality
(45,000 Americans die annually for lack of healthcare according to a
Harvard study) should scare the pants off anybody who understands and
enjoys healthcare as a human right.
It is a shocking situation, and non Americans will be astounded by the facts in this film. Maureen, a long time street activist and independent film lover applauds
Got Healthcare? as follows:
My office file is full of amazing indie films made by one or few persons
with no budget, yet who provide very interesting, well researched and
sensational knowledge that I appreciate having. I see these films at
forums and issues conventions. Hollywood would never ever give this
information a forum. Their focus is entertainment not information. And
it is star driven. My celebrities are the people in the street.
HOORAY! So I am thrilled that many people are making documentary films
and disseminating what corporate media has not only ignored but also
drowned out with glossy schlock. The questions for me are: Does this
interest people? Does it reveal information? Does it strengthen our
human bond? Do people like it? - Maureen Cruise
Maureen is also a member of PNHP (Physicians for a National Health Program) and CNA (California Nurse Association). PNHP, CNA and member doctors and nurses are prominent throughout the film, among the 65 street activists interviewed. Maureen has promoted the film at various activist events where it has been screened and well received as the following typical testimony indicates:
I watched the movie and it's excellent! Especially liked the way you traced the trajectory of Obama's downfall from single-payer preference to the mess that is PPACA. The woman who defined Socialism as a shortage of toilet paper is, alas, a classic. I've met many like her. The American public has so much to learn..... We're grateful for your efforts, and hope to spread the word far and wide. - Carol Tvaroh
