‘American Cancer Story’ is the poignant coming-of-age short film José Padilha wishes he didn’t have to make. Inspired by horrifying data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), attributing firearms as the leading cause of child and teen fatalities, the film links gun violence and pediatric cancer in an emotional storyline about a young girl who beats cancer only to face a school shooting. Change the Ref (CTF) released the film on AmericanCancerStory.com ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Columbine school shooting. The website asks viewers to share the film and demand urgent change from politicians and lawmakers. It is also raising funds for 10 pediatric cancer charities. The dramatic 90-second film is also running as a public service announcement on a variety of television networks.
Philosophy
‘American Cancer Story’ is a compelling short film created to tackle the top issues threatening the safety of American children: cancer and gun violence. This groundbreaking initiative marks the first time that these two causes have united to combat significant dangers to children in America. The film takes the viewer through an emotional story of a young girl’s cancer journey. We follow a gripping montage of her heroic battle, from the devastating news of the diagnosis, to after what seems like an endless cycle of procedures, remission. Her classmates greet her enthusiastically upon her return to school, only tragically to face a second life-threatening situation: a school shooting. The fact that gun violence is the number 1 killer of American children is starkly delivered through the juxtaposition of the girl's promising prognosis against cancer and the sudden tragedy that unfolds in her school, emphasizing the urgent need for change.
Problem
‘American Cancer Story’ is built on the data that, according to the CDC, cancer is the number 3 killer of children in America, while gun violence is the number one. After uncovering the alarming impact on American children, we brought together experts from the medical, advocacy, and filmmaking fields to craft the most authentic story that brings humanity to this statistic.
Result
Directed by José Padilha of Narcos, RoboCop, and Elite Squad, scored by James Valentine of Maroon 5, and shared by dozens of A-list celebrities and influencers, ‘American Cancer Story’ had broad reach and immediate impact within the first week of launch, and was covered by CNN as "Game changer....Everyone needs to see this important film". The film directs viewers to a website to take action to support both causes.
Directed by José Padilha of Narcos, RoboCop, and Elite Squad, scored by James Valentine of Maroon 5, and shared by dozens of A-list celebrities and influencers