"Kudos to Dr. Carlos Schenck and filmmaker Brian Dehler for their documentary Sleep Runners. The photography, lighting, and editing were excellent. I loved the leaf-in-the-stream visual analogy, and my son Dan, whose computer graphics are the basis of NASA's Mission to Mars, Disney IMAX films, etc.(www.maasdigital.com) liked the sheet-in-the-wind visual imagery. The strength of the documentary is in the compelling stories and case histories--especially the comments in the sections on misdiagnoses, psychiatric fears and final solutions/victories. I thought Dr. Schenck and Dr. Mark Mahowald were sensitive, but appropriately direct. Patients and doctors alike will easily get the message about recognizing and treating the parasomnia disorders."
March 21, 2005
- Professor James B. Maas, PhD
Weiss Presidential Fellow
Professor of Psychology Cornell University
Producer and participant in the award-winning 2001 documentary,
Who Needs Sleep? Photosynthesis Productions
"I received your Sleep Runners DVD and viewed it with my family last night. How do I begin to tell you how helpful it was or to thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting a documentary like this together?
I have searched for months and months for information on RBD in an effort to help my Father feel less alone, less crazy and less without hope. During that time I became well aware of Dr. Schenck's extensive research and invaluable contributions to the understanding of parasomnias. But it was only a few weeks ago that I happened to plug the right words into an internet search and find his website. What a gift! And then to discover your DVD and learn that a book is on the way! I just can't express my gratitude.
Although we know and understand quite a bit about the disorder, we are constantly faced with doctors and professionals who haven't a clue. My Father still suffers more than I believe he should and I hope one day we are able to really find him true help. But in the meantime, I will continue to do everything and anything I can to help him cope and to educate myself and anyone who'll listen. And I am so very thankful for people like you and the work you are doing. I know I'm only one person but I hope it means something to know that you're film truly touched and gave a ray of hope to my family."
With sincere thanks (and great anticipation for Dr. Schenck's book!),
- Rebecca in Los Angeles, CA