Have you ever had the experience of journeying with a loved one who is facing a chronic, progressive and potentially life-limiting illness? If so, first and foremost, my sympathies.

You know this is an extremely difficult, challenging time in many ways and our health care system, although well intentioned, doesn't always make this journey any easier.

This film is based on the best-selling book "Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest" and The Waiting Room Revolution podcast. It's a story about control, specifically, who gets to define how we face the end of our lives.

At her oncology appointment Esther is the only person in the room willing to confront reality. While her family and medical team cling to optimism, she is fighting for something quieter but more powerful: the ability to prepare. This film explores the tension between two necessary truths; hope for more time, and planning for what may come. Esther refuses to choose between them.

This film is important because it challenges the idea that preparing for death means giving up, and instead reframes it as an act of love, clarity and agency.

The team:

Dr. Slaven (EP/writer) - has worked in palliative care for over 30 years, authored 2 YA eco-thrillers and written and produced the short film 'A Man Walks into a Bar'.

Becca Willow Moss (director) -has worked on films and series which

have been funded through several entities including: Ontario

Creates, Bell Fund, Telus Fund, IPF-CMF, Telefilm, The Mental

Health Commission of California and Voices With Impact - and

distributed on platforms such as CBC Gem, MUBI, and

Fearless.

Kris Langford (producer) - is an award-winning filmmaker based in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. As a writer/director/producer of short film he has 12 festival wins and 10 nominations. He has produced five shorts, three of which he wrote and directed, as well as executive produced one feature film. He is the co-host of the How'd You Like that Movie podcast.

Dr. Winemaker (consultant) - has worked in palliative care for over 20 years, co-authored the book 'Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest' and con-hosts the Waiting Room Revolution podcast

Funds raised will be used for:

cast

crew

equipment

location

craft services

hair/make-up/wardrobe

video and audio editing

Filming will occur on July 2026

This film will be submitted to local, provincial, national and international film festivals.

This project is inspired by a larger journey. The Waiting Room Revolution aims to empower patients and families facing life threatening illness to receive the care that most aligns with their goals and values. In addition to entertaining this short film can be used for educational purposes as it illustrates several of the 7 keys to receiving value-aligned care. Scriptwriting for a feature film that encompasses all the 7 keys is currently underway.

For more information about The Waiting Room Revolution check out the following link. https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com