News

My Million Dollar Mom Short Film to Include Song/Prayer Mi'Shebeirach by Debbie Friedman

JULY 17, 2017

PHILADELPHIA -- My Million Dollar Mom, LLC has acquired the rights to include Mi’Shebeirach, a Jewish song/prayer of healing that was written, sung and produced by the late Jewish folk singer Debbie Friedman, in their film titled My Million Dollar Mom. The prayer, included in Jewish worship services, asks God for healing for those who are sick and strength for their caregivers.

My Million Dollar Mom is a film about a mother diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, just as her son is offered his last chance to be elected to Congress. The son must decide between his life-long dream and his mom’s wishes to remain in her home under his care. My Million Dollar Mom, LLC will be producing a short film version of My Million Dollar Mom, later this summer. Shooting will take place in the Philadelphia suburbs and in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

"Our team is thrilled to be able to use Mi’Shebeirach in the film," said Schriftman. "The song fits perfectly with the film, as it deals with the two sides of illness, being sick and being the caregiver." Schriftman added, "We are grateful to Debbie’s family and their legal team for providing us the opportunity to include her beautiful music in our production," Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-SWtFuQqss to watch a tribute to Friedman.

Ross Schriftman, screenwriter and producer of My Million Dollar Mom, experienced Alzheimer’s first-hand, when his mother, Shirley, was diagnosed with the disease. He wrote a book of the same name about his mother and the time he spent caring for her as she lived with dementia. After publishing the book, Ross was inspired to tell their story with a feature film version. "The personality of a loved one living with dementia is foremost in our story. My mom was still the same caring person she always was, although the confusion, memory loss and angry outbursts prevalent with this illness were ever-present."

Once produced, Schriftman plans to have the short film available for community events with a discussion guide for audiences to help people better understand dementia and to motivate them to plan ahead. In addition, the production company is putting together a panel of advocates and educators to develop continuing education programs for medical, legal and financial organizations. "We want to contribute to enhancing professionals across the long term care providing community," Schriftman said. "Along with the film and book as part of a training package, we will prepare specific study guides for various disciplines so that their members can improve their skills."

< BACK TO LATEST NEWS

Donate

Help us make this movie a reality with a donation today! Your support is deeply appreciated.

Stay Informed

Subscribe to our mailing list

My Million Dollar Mom YouTube Channel