Inspiring Stories of People Living With MS

Filmmaker Jason DaSilva

Crisscrossing the country, by van and on scooter, ITVS-funded filmmaker, 30-year-old Jason DaSilva, is part of the three-person road crew for a new online project about Multiple Sclerosis.

Beginning today ––in honor of National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week (March 8-14) –– the National MS Society launched “We Keep Moving,” a journey across America that takes viewers into the homes of people living with MS.

Every week for ten weeks, three different stories and locations will be highlighted on the website. Visitors are invited to vote to select the story and destination for the following week’s short film.

“I don’t want to say that this? will be easy,” writes Jason. “Being completely able-bodied and traveling 10 different? places around the U.S. within 10 weeks is still a little bit much. Try doing the same with a scooter and MS symptoms!”

In addition to “We Keep Moving,” Jason, who was diagnosed with MS at the age of 25, is also working on When I Walk, his personal story of living with Multiple Sclerosis day-to-day. Jason is currently tracking his film and life on his video blog.

Learn more about “We Keep Moving” and choose the story you’d like to see next >>

Keep up with Jason on his blog >>

Tags: contest, health, healthcare, Multiple Sclerosis, science

Open Call Recipients: Jason DaSilva and Leigh DaSilva, Filmmakers of WHEN I WALK

ITVS’s Open Call provides finishing funds for single non-fiction or animation public television programs on any subject and from any viewpoint. Projects must have begun production as evidenced by a work-in-progress video.

Check out the clip below with filmmakers Jason DaSilva and Leigh DaSilva, who received Open Call funds for their film WHEN I WALK, which looks at Jason’s personal story who at the young age of 25 was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Learn more about their film, why they think PBS is the best match for their film and the internal struggles Leigh grappled with while filming his brother Jason.

Interested in applying for Open Call? ITVS is looking for single public television programs on any subject, viewpoint or style. We fund programs that bring new audiences to public television and expand civic participation by bringing diverse voices into the public sphere. This year’s deadline is July 31, 2009.

Find more information about Open Call funding >>

Tags: Multiple Sclerosis, online video, Open Call