LIVING YEARS: Conversation With The Director

Watch Trailer Director: Brenda Williams Gillis

 

Join us Tuesday, August 30th at 7pm for a conversation with the director of Living Years, Brenda Williams Gillis, who made a documentary about her father’s life as a quadriplegic. Admission is free.

About the Film

September 8th, 1956, Highway 395, 33 miles north of Bishop, 4:15am., Gale Williams fell asleep at the wheel.

On the eve of his 18th birthday, he crashed his car in a remote area of California and became a quadriplegic.

In those days people with such severe injuries were only expected to live 10-15 years. To survive, mentally and physically, Gale set his mind to tackling small goals, focusing only on what he was able to do, and through a supportive family and church community, he rebuilt his life.

At 82, and most likely the longest living quadriplegic, Gale’s life story shows us that there are no limitations to what we can accomplish if we set our minds to it.

About the Director

At the age of 3 months old, I was adopted by parents that were unable to have their own biological children. I grew up in Santa Monica, California, in a unique and loving environment with a father who was a quadriplegic, which made my childhood very different than my peers.

In my 40’s I had the idea to make a documentary about my father’s remarkable life. Just before turning 50, having no film experience, I finally started, and three years later my debut film, Living Years has been completed. I currently live in Woodland Hills CA with my husband and 2 daughters.

Share this Film

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Running Time: 38 MIN38 MIN
This Film is Wheelchair Accessible

I am hoping viewers will feel inspired by my dad’s story and all he has been able to accomplish despite his limitations, which might help others to find courage and strength to connect with their own struggles and find new possibilities.

Brenda Williams Gillis