'After' by Nikki Gemmell
Nikki Gemmell
This memoir by Nikki Gemmell explores her mother Elayn’s unexpected suicide in reaction to chronic pain and the subsequent fallout. Elayn was a member of Exit International and Gemmell’s high-profile story was part of the national conversation on legalising assisted dying in Australia.
'The Easy Way Out' by Steven Amsterdam
Steven Amsterdam
Written by a writer who is also a palliative care nurse, this tragicomic novel examines what life might be like for someone working as a dying assistant if Australia legalised assisted dying. It was published in 2016, just as Australia was beginning to seriously consider legalisation at both the state and federal level.
'Last Flight Home' by Ondi Timoner
Ondi Timoner (director)
Ondi Timoner tells the story of her father, Eli Timoner, a former entrepreneur and founder of an airline, who chooses to end his life by medical assistance in dying under California’s End of Life Option Act.
'Les mots de la fin' by Gaëlle Hardy
Gaëlle Hardy (director and writer), Agnès Lejeune (director and writer)
Marking almost twenty years since the introduction of euthanasia in Belgium, this documentary provides insights from the office of Dr Damas, a physician responsible for assisted dying in a Belgian public hospital.
'The Mother Situation' by Matt Day
Matt Day (dir.)
In this short film, three adult siblings come together for their mother’s planned assisted death only to discover that she has changed her mind. A blackly comic look at the coercion that could emerge in assisted dying situations, made as Australia was beginning the legalisation process.
'Tout s’est bien passé' by François Ozon
François Ozon (director and writer), Emmanuèle Bernheim (writer), Philippe Piazzo (writer)
Following a transient ischemic attack, André Bernheim, the father of novelist Emmanuèle Bernheim, asks his daughter to help him end his life. The film follows Emmanuèle and her sister, Pascale, as they come to terms with their father’s decision and try to navigate the complex legalities that surround assisted dying for French citizens in Switzerland.
'Witte flits' by Laura Hermanides
Laura Hermanides (director and writer), Roelof Jan Minneboo (writer)
Rick has been suffering from severe psychological issues for twenty years. His persistent wish not to live any longer is acknowledged by a psychiatrist, who assists with his suicide. Rick is actively supported by his parents, who come to recognize the hopelessness of their son’s situation.