ABOUT THE PROJECT

LOGLINE
From director George T. Nierenberg comes a moving and thought-provoking documentary examining the human costs of untreated sleep apnea affecting as many as one billion people worldwide. Interweaving four stories, OUT OF BREATH documents the compelling struggles of patients, the emotionally fraught effects on their families, and the hope that comes with seeking treatment.

SYNOPSIS
This unique documentary’s footage was captured by the characters themselves over a two-year period. Using their cell phones, they document their tortured nights and difficult days as OUT OF BREATH uncovers the human cost to 25 million Americans of sleep apnea:

In North Carolina, family man Victor Boyd’s wall-shaking snoring is bringing strife into his marriage. Victor’s sleep apnea could kill him if he doesn’t wear his CPAP mask at night. He and wife Terah know that sleep apnea disproportionately harms Black and Brown people. With three children—two on the autism spectrum—dying young is not an option for Victor. But it is a real possibility.

Over in England, 34-year-old Danielle Davidson brightens the days of the elderly for whom she cares ... when she makes it into work. Her exhaustion often keeps her bedridden. She’s plagued by whether she can muster the fortitude to be a good “single mum” to her two sons.

In New Hampshire, former marine Billy Toto struggles to stay awake at the wheel—he left his job as an EMT driver for fear of killing his clients. After five prior procedures for his apnea proved unsuccessful, Billy and his wife Michelle each have their own reasons to hope that Surgery #6 will be the charm.

In California, Kalyn McKenzie hid her condition during her courtship, but now lives with fiancée Fran, who’s learning the hard way what it means to build a life with a person who cannot stay awake.

OUT OF BREATH captures the four’s frustration and exhaustion as they battle to stave off the serious health conditions sleep apnea exacerbates. We see the toll on their families, too. But we also see their moments of joy and their refusal to give up on the varied treatments that could lead to peaceful sleep... and fulfilling lives.

PROJECT TYPE Documentary Feature / Film Essay

DIRECTOR George Nierenberg
PRODUCER George Nierenberg, Susan Margolin

WEBSITE sleepapneafilm.com/

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