This inspiring film brings hope to parents and caregivers of children who are "different." It focuses on individuals and families learning to live with Marfan Syndrome. People with the condition are frequently tall, with disproportionately long arms and legs. (For more information about the disorder, see About Marfan Syndrome.) Young people, especially, are challenged by looking different than their peers. In My Hands asks the universal questions. Who am I? What am I? Different, and that’s ok. Dancer and choreographer Ann Reinking, whose son Chris is affected with the condition, works with a group of teenagers, designing movement and dance that capitalizes on their shaky long bodies, and unexpectedly, inspires their self-esteem.
See below for information how to obtain a copy of this film.
"A beautifully choreographed film from start to finish; it both inspires and informs."
- Rosie O'Donnell, actor/comic/author/radio talk show host/mom
"In My Hands moved me in ways that I did not anticipate. It masterfully explores a genetic medical condition with a reach that spans from molecules to society, from the factual details to their intimate consequences. While In My Hands focuses on Marfan syndrome, the lessons are universal. Having studied and cared for people with Marfan syndrome for 20 years, I thought I knew it all. I was humbled and enriched by watching this extraordinary film."
- Dr. Hal Dietz, Johns Hopkins University Hospital
"The film is laid out in such a brilliant way, unfurling like those slow-motion flowers on film, revealing a deeper level with each opening petal... a remarkable film."
- Priscilla Ciccariello, Chair Emeritus, National Marfan Foundation
Check back here for updates on "In My Hands," including media coverage, film festival engagements, and more.
The producers of "In My Hands" are hopeful that the film will find a home on public television or on a cable network, which will make it accessible to the broadest audience possible. In addition, we hope to announce that "In My Hands" will play additional film festivals around the country. Watch here for updates.
DVD
Individuals and families affected by Marfan syndrome may obtain a copy of "In My Hands" by contacting the NMF directly. Please complete the following online request form for affected individuals and families ONLY. [PLEASE NOTE- WE ARE CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK ON THIS DVD. YOU MAY FILL OUT A REQUEST AND YOU WILL BE CONTACTED WHEN IT IS AVAILABLE. AT THIS TIME WE DO HAVE AN AVAILABILITY DATE.] Once eligibility is verified, you will be notified with further instructions. Shipping and Handling charges will apply. Please note: Only one copy per family.
Educational institutions, hospitals and medical centers, and other professionals may purchase a copy of "In My Hands" from Filmakers Library.
CREATIVE TEAM
Ann Reinking – Executive Producer/Choreographer Ann Reinking, an essential member of the National Marfan Foundation community, is the angel of the production of In My Hands.
Reinking is a multi-talented actress, singer, and dancer, as well as a Tony-award winning choreographer. After winning a Ford Foundation scholarship to study with the San Francisco School of Ballet, Ms. Reinking went on to Broadway, films, and television, earning numerous accolades for her work including Tony nominations for her leading performance in Dancin’ and as best actress in Goodtime Charley. Her awards includes the Theatre World Award and the Clarence Derwent Award for her work as Maggie in Over Here. In 1997, Ms. Reinking won the Tony Award, the Drama Desk Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award and the Astaire Award for her choreography for the ENCORES production of Chicago. In 1999, Fosse, which Ann directed and co-choreographed, won a Tony award for best musical.
Her film debut was as Troubles Moran in Movie, Movie directed by Stanley Donen. She then starred in the Oscar-nominated Bob Fosse biopic, All That Jazz with Ocsar nominee Roy Scheider, and in Blake Edwards’ Micki & Maude.
As the founder and Artistic Director of the Broadway Theatre Project she inspired and fostered hundreds of young talent bound for Broadway. Their success is renowned.
Ms. Reinking lives with her husband, Peter Talbert, and son, Christopher, in Arizona. Brenda Siemer Scheider- Producer/Co-director
Ms. Siemer, Creator, was Producer and Co-director of Is it Really Me?, a documentary on young women coming of age. She wrote and produced the award-winning documentary, I Know a Song, on her mother’s journey with Alzheimer's Disease which aired internationally, on PBS and the Learning Channel. Finalist at the American Film & Video Festival in 1988, it won first prize in geriatrics from The American Journal of Nursing Media Festival.
Is it Really Me? has played in the Avignon Film Festival, the Hamptons International Film Festival, The North Carolina School for the Arts River Run Film Festival and the Santa Fe Film Festival. At the 2005 Durango Film Festival it won a Jury Commendation for Documentaries. In 2003 it was awarded a CINE Golden Eagle Award.
Ms. Siemer was married to Roy Scheider for 24years until his death in 2008. They have two children, Christian and Molly. In 1996 she was a co-founder of the Hayground School, a multicultural elementary school in Bridgehampton, NY. Emma Joan Morris – Producer/Co-Director/Managing Editor
Emma Joan Morris is an Emmy Award winning producer/director/editor whose work includes the feature documentary Something Within Me, winner of the Audience Award, Film Makers Trophy and a Special Grand Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival. She has recently completed the editing of Shut-Up and Sing, a feature documentary on the music and politics of the Dixie Chicks. Her other editing credits include the Academy Award winning documentary Close Harmony, and A Stitch for Time, which received an Academy Award nomination. She has edited films for all of the major networks including HBO, PBS, A&E, CBS, ABC, NBC and Discovery Channel. In Search of China, her 90-minute special on the effects of the market economy on China aired nationally on PBS in 2000. She also produced and directed Paving The Way, a 60-minute documentary for WNET on working women in the 1950’s. Voices of Sarafina! which she co-directed and edited with Nigel Noble earned her an Emmy. Her other awards include: Sundance Audience Award, Sundance Filmmakers Trophy, Special Sundance Jury Award, News and Documentary Emmy Award, Christopher Award, Cine Golden Eagle, Golden Apple Award and the IDA Distinguished Documentary Achievement Award.
This inspiring film brings hope to parents and caregivers of children who are "different." It focuses on individuals and families learning to live with Marfan Syndrome. People with the condition are frequently tall, with disproportionately long arms and legs. (For more information about the disorder, see 
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