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.

---

Plot Keywords:

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

---

Taglines:

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

---

Genres:

Documentary | Biography | Romance

---

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

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.