39 Pounds of Love (2005)

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.

Director:

Dani Menkin

Writers:

Ilan Heitner, Dani Menkin

Star:

Ami Ankilewitz

3 wins.

Cast

Credited cast:
Ami Ankilewitz	...	Himself

Storyline

39 POUNDS OF LOVE is the heartwarming story of Ami Ankilewitz, an American-born Israeli who at the age of 1 was diagnosed with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy that renders him immobile, except for one finger, which he uses to work as a 3D animator. His doctor predicated he'd die before the age of six. Over thirty years have passed and Ami, weighing only 39 pounds, still survives and "loves life", he is considered one of the world's greatest medical miracles. The film follows a riveting cross-country journey that Ami took with friends across the USA to look for the doctor who thought he wouldn't survive.

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Plot Keywords:

doctor | journey | animator | muscular dystrophy | unrequited love | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Documentary | Biography | Romance

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Hebrew Spanish

Release Date:

8 April 2005 (Israel)

Also Known As:

18 kila agapi

Filming Locations:

Dallas, Texas, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,217, 27 November 2005

Gross USA:

$28,125, 22 January 2006

Company Credits

Production Co:

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

Technical Specs

Runtime:

70 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

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.

User Reviews

very fine touching and poignant

We found 39 pounds of love to be a very inspirational, sad, poignant moving, uplifting, and well presented documentary .. made us really appreciate the life we live, and recognize the power of love -- it is hard to fathom how anyone can be so hopeful in real life -- this is an excellent film that was able to capture the angst fear and hope of the main characters! we highly recommend this,, however the viewer should realize that it will not be a fun time, but a thought provoking time...Menkin did an excellent job, i read it was his first film, which is really quite amazing. I look forward to seeing other films he will produce- I think Menkin has a future in the film industry..