“Alive Inside” Documentary now on Netflix

An uplifting cinematic exploration of music and the mind, ALIVE INSIDE’s inspirational and emotional story left audiences humming, clapping and cheering at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award. Now you can watch this award winning documentary on Netflix.

ALIVE INSIDE is a joyous cinematic exploration of music’s capacity to reawaken our souls and uncover the deepest parts of our humanity. Filmmaker Michael Rossato-Bennett chronicles the astonishing experiences of individuals around the country who have been revitalized through the simple experience of listening to music. His camera reveals the uniquely human connection we find in music and how its healing power can triumph where prescription medication falls short.

This stirring documentary follows numerous visionaries in healthcare including social worker Dan Cohen, founder of the nonprofit organization Music & Memory, as he fights against a broken healthcare system to demonstrate music’s ability to combat memory loss and restore a deep sense of self to those suffering from it. Rossato-Bennett visits family members who have witnessed the miraculous effects of personalized music on their loved ones, and offers illuminating interviews with experts including renowned neurologist and best-selling author Oliver Sacks (Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain), healthcare visionaries Dr. Bill Thomas, Dr. Al Powers, Naomi Fiel, and musician Bobby McFerrin (“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”)

Some personal stories are shared below:

My sister Delia was diagnosed seven years ago with early onset Alzheimer’s. When I saw the movie “Alive Inside”, I was afraid to believe playing familiar songs could actually work, but, I downloaded two songs I knew she loved and walked into her hospital room. She was upset that day, but gently I put on the headphones and turned on Diana Ross and the Supremes’ “I Hear A Symphony.” My sister sat up, started to sing along, even doing all the Supremes hand-motions! The nurses started peeking their heads into the room to see what was going on. When the song ended, Delia turned to Jeff, her husband, gave him a little shove on the arm, and told him what a funny guy he was. Truly, it was a miracle. For a moment, she was there with us. I had a glimpse of my sister back. Jeff had a moment of her knowing him again and actually teasing him. It truly was a magical day in the midst of this long, hard journey. We want to give this to others.

Terri

My dad passed away this past September to Alzheimer’s at the age of 79. I learned about this program prior to his passing and made it my goal to bring it to Springhill Senior Living Community. My dad lived here and I work here. Since his passing we have become Music & Memory certified. The program is named after my father, Dwayne D. Trautman Music and Memory Program. We have been sharing the film Alive Inside throughout the community. Really helps share the power behind music and how it can help people who suffer from cognitive impairment.

                                                                                                                Jill Trautman-Mannino