This ALS Awareness Month, the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI), in partnership with Her ALS Story and hosted by Sunny Brous of SunnyStrong, invites you to participate in the 4th Annual Fight ALS Film Fest. This unique event features a series of powerful films highlighting the personal experiences of people affected by ALS, followed by live panel discussions featuring individuals living with ALS, caregivers, and advocates.
Participants watch each film on their own ahead of time. Then, they will join a weekly Zoom panel discussion to explore its themes, hear from special guests, and discuss how the film relates to their own experiences with ALS.
“What makes the film fest great is that meets people where they are in their journey with ALS and brings them into this community,” says Sunny, who was herself diagnosed with ALS in 2015, “Some attendees have ALS, some have lost a loved one, and others have an organization affiliation—everyone is welcome and benefits from the connections.”
Fight ALS Film Fest: 2025 Schedule:
Week 1 – “You’re Not You”
Panel Discussion: May 6 at 7:30 PM CT
Summary: A classically trained pianist diagnosed with ALS hires an unfiltered college student as her caregiver. This emotional drama explores friendship, loss, and resilience in the face of a life-changing diagnosis.
Watch on Amazon: You’re Not You – Prime Video
Week 2 – “Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet”
Panel Discussion: May 13 at 7:30 PM CT
Summary: Follow the remarkable story of guitar prodigy Jason Becker, who continues to compose music using only his eyes, decades after being diagnosed with ALS at the age of 19. A deeply moving testament to perseverance and the power of creativity.
Watch on Amazon: Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet – Prime Video
Week 3 – “The Pride of the Yankees”
Panel Discussion: May 20 at 7:30 PM CT
Summary: This iconic 1943 biopic of baseball legend Lou Gehrig traces his rise to fame and courageous battle with ALS. A classic tale of strength, legacy, and sportsmanship starring Gary Cooper as Lou Gehrig.
Book Pairing: Luckiest Man by Jonathan Eig
Watch on Amazon: The Pride of the Yankees – Prime Video
Week 4 – “Still Alice”
Panel Discussion: May 27 at 7:30 PM CT
Summary: Though centered on Alzheimer’s, this film offers valuable insight into the emotional toll and progression of neurodegenerative disease. Julianne Moore delivers an Academy Award-winning performance as a linguistics professor coping with her diagnosis.
Book Pairing: Every Note Played by Lisa Genova
Watch on Amazon: Still Alice – Prime Video
Register to Attend!
Register now to receive weekly email reminders for the Fight ALS Film Fest and access information to attend the discussions.
More Ways to Get Involved: