A story of twin sisters, two cultures, and two new chances at life. Inspired by their 2007 memoir, THE POWER OF TWO offers an intimate portrayal of the bond between half-Japanese twin sisters Anabel Stenzel and Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, their battle with the fatal genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF) and miraculous survival through double lung transplants. Defying all odds, Ana and Isa have emerged as authors, athletes and global advocates for organ donation, and their connection to the CF and transplant communities provides rare insight into the struggles â and overlooked joys â of chronic illness. Featuring archival footage and probing expert interviews, this poignant directorial debut of Academy Award nominated producer Marc Smolowitz presents a multi-faceted portrayal of a society at a tipping point around this triumph of modern medicine. Evocative without being sentimental, THE POWER OF TWO reveals the twins not as heroines but as authentic women who share our fears about mortality and inspire us to make a difference.
"...COMPELLING...POETIC... Powerfully conveys the promise of redemption... a message celebrating life that can resonate everywhere!" - The Wall Street Journal
"The Power of Two deftly weaves emotional storytelling and detailed facts to connect us with the important topic of organ donation and Cystic Fibrosis... The film not only provided an engaging learning experience for the kids but it also had them thoughtfully considering how they would participate in the organ donation... I would highly recommend for use within the high school classroom for teachers looking closely at the social issues and community health concerns in their curriculum. The Power of Two is a perfect resource." -Keith Zwolfer, Youth Education Program Manager, San Francisco Film Society
"Extremely powerful... The individual stories women together tell a story far more meaningful and gripping than that of any of the fascinating characters alone. The film elicited the heaviest of emotions, but always respectfully, and with perfect balance... It is unquestionably on of the best documentaries ever produced." -Deborah Apple, Health & Science Teacher, Raoul Wallenberg High School, San Francisco
"The Power of Two not only empowers patients that have been thought lung transplantation and those about to embark on their own transplant journey, it gives the healthcare providers a very personal view of what patients endure to live longer lives. The emotions you feel while watching the twins experience hardship and victory over CF stays with you long after the film has ended." -Mary Lester RRT, Medical University of South Caroline/ Cystic Fibrosis Center, Charleston, SC
Citation
Main credits
Smolowitz, Marc (Producer)
Smolowitz, Marc (Director)
Byrnes, Andrew (Producer)
Rossi, Nickolas (Cinematographer)
Sultan, Matthew (Film editor)
Green, Thomas Eugne (Film editor)
Moorman, Kyle (Composer)
Easton, Tim (Composer)
Other credits
Director of photography, Nickolas Rossi; editors, Matthew Sultan, Thomas Eugene Green; music, Kyle Moorman, Tim Easton.
