39 Pounds of Love (2005)

User Rating:

5.3/10   

Director:

Dani Menkin

Writers:

Ilan Heitner (co-writer)
Dani Menkin (writer)

Release Date:

8 April 2005 (Israel)

Genre:

Documentary | Biography

Tagline:

At birth he was given 6 years to live... at 34, he takes the journey of a lifetime.

Plot:

This is the story of Ami, a man who while unable to move any part of his body, still manages to move each and every one of us, as he teaches us a part of life's intimate dance.

Plot Keywords:

Journey | Love | Animator | Muscular Dystrophy | Cross Country

Awards:

2 wins

Cast

Ami Ankilewitz

...

Himself

Directed by
Dani Menkin

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Ilan Heitner		co-writer
Dani Menkin		writer

Produced by
Asfur	....	senior producer
Daniel J. Chalfen	....	producer
Kim Fishman	....	associate producer
David Gil	....	executive producer
Ilan Heitner	....	co-producer
Hilla Manor	....	associate producer
John Matlick	....	executive producer
Hilla Medalia	....	senior producer
Dani Menkin	....	producer
Randy Paul	....	associate producer
Ed Priddy	....	executive producer
John Priddy	....	executive producer
Lynn Roth	....	executive producer
Marek Rozenbaum	....	producer: Israel
Katie Schulz	....	assistant producer

Original Music by
Chris Gubisch

Cinematography by
Yoav Kleinman

Film Editing by
Geof Bartz
Sam Bauer
Geoffrey O'Brien
Paul Petschek

Production Management
Eran B.Y.	....	production manager
Hilla Manor	....	post-production manager

Art Department
Mikhail Mazor	....	graphic designer

Sound Department
Skip Adams	....	sound re-recording mixer
Moti Hefetz	....	sound recordist
Robert Hoehn	....	sound designer
Robert Hoehn	....	sound mixer

Visual Effects by
Ami Ankilewitz	....	animation and video effects
Ami Ankilewitz	....	animaton supervisor

Animation Department
Ami Ankilewitz	....	animator

Editorial Department
Jim Finn	....	negative supervisor
Richard Haylock	....	digital intermediate technician
Jim Hession	....	assistant editor
Matt Woo	....	digital intermediate technician

Music Department
Marcus Barone	....	music supervisor

Other crew
Winston Emano	....	publicist
David Magdael	....	publicist
Shannon Molloy	....	production assistant
Patty Tapanes	....	legal: Goldcrest films
Brandon Torres	....	production assistant
Justin Warren	....	production assistant
Anne Stulz	....	publicist (uncredited)

Thanks
David Japka	....	special thanks
John C. McDonnell	....	thanks

Production Companies

• HBO/Cinemax Documentary
• Hey Jude Productions
• Priddy Brothers Entertainment

Distributors

• Goldcrest Films International (2006) (worldwide) (all media)
• Balcony Releasing (2005) (USA) (theatrical)

Other Companies

• Goldcrest Post Production London  ADR
• Goldcrest Post Production London  audio mixing
• Goldcrest Post Production London  foley
• Goldcrest Post Production London  on-line editing

Runtime:

70 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Hebrew | Spanish

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

USA:Unrated | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Dallas, Texas, USA

Company:

HBO/Cinemax Documentary

Trivia:

Dani Menkin first saw Ami in a Tel Aviv bar, and was instantly drawn to him. Arranging to meet Ami at his home some days later, Dani began a friendship with Ami that would eventually lead to making the film.

I admire Ami, and all he goes through each day.

I an in a wheelchair and after meeting Ami, I felt like I was walking. I'm a mentor for teens, and I tell them about Ami. He doesn't know the meaning of "can't be done". I never saw so much dedication, and unconditional love for everyone. The crew and Ami are very special people that are carrying a message to everyone. Don't give up, just keep trying. The more people that see this documentary, the more people will feel so much better about them selves. This documentary can make so many good changes in people. Ami lives day to day, not knowing if it's his last. For a man weighing 39 pounds, he's the biggest man I ever met. My life has changed for the better because of this film.