GET ME TO 21 – THE JENNA LOWE STORY, 88min., South Africa
Directed by Diana Joy Lucas

The extraordinary story of a young South African girl, her battle to get to 21 and the lasting impact she has had on the world around her. A riveting and inspiring story of advocacy, rare disease, organ donation, courage and hope.

https://www.jennalowetrust.org/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/710845692340944
https://instagram.com/jenna_lowe_trust

Get to know Executive Producer Gabi Lowe:

1. What motivated you to make this film? PH is a rare, cruel and silent disease and way too many people die from it before even being diagnosed. I know that if I can get Jenna’s compelling story out as far and wide a possible, it will impact thousands of people through earlier diagnosis which equals HOPE for a longer life and better quality of life. But that is not all that this Doccie s about … …illness and suffering aside, there are so many inspirational learnings to be found in this story such as the extreme grace, courage and a fighting yet gentle spirit that Jenna demonstrated that I feel the world can benefit from right now. Finding ways to truly live, make a difference, give back and find meaning even in the face of extreme suffering… now THAT is something we all need to learn and aim for.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? Two years in total … we thought we were there after one year and then a kind but very professional person in the Industry in London gave us some hard yet important and valid feedback that we took on board. We had to scamper to raise some funds and re-convince our very small team of 4 (this always was a passion project, not a commercial venture) to rework it … and reworking took another year. So two years in total; with all of us holding down other jobs as well.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!? Heart-wrenching AND inspirational

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? Time, money, resources, (inexperience on MY part only as Exec Producer; but not so for my Director, Editor or DOP who have been in the industry for decades thank heavens). ALSO – being very honest, the fact that as Executive Producer yet also Jenna’s mother it was at times emotionally very difficult and triggering; yet we all had to maintain perspective and objectivity. That was a difficult and sensitive balance for all of us who knew and loved her.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? I wept

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? My Director, Diana Joy Lucas, and my Editor Mary Berry and her husband Stephen Berry DOP have all been working in the media and television industry for many decades. From my side, I never ever thought I would make a film OR write a book and I have done both since the loss of our beautiful Jenna in order to tell her story, continue spreading her legacy, making a difference and helping to save lives.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life? Shawshank Redemption

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career? All I want, is to get his Documentary in front of as many people as possible to encourage earlier diagnosis for others and spread hope and courage – if there is ANY way you can help me do that I would be most grateful. I need intro’s to the right Distributors or Agents

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site? Excellent

10. What is your favorite meal? Oooh … Prawns? Roast chicken? Slow roast lamb? Or a simple Caeser Salad

11. What is next for you? A new film? We have started a clinic in Cape Town for others with this disease … if I can find a distribution deal for the Documentary my team can be paid for some of their hours and hours and hours of time AND we can continue to fund and grow the clinic and our patient empowerment programmes.