Life’s a Twitch

Wednesday, June 20, 2007 – 7:30pm
Canada 2002 Director: Cindy Bisaillon

He barks, spits, and shakes. He just can’t help it. Duncan McKinlay has Tourette’s Syndrome. At age 7, he noticed what he called a devil in his head that made his life hell. In his teens, it wasn’t a question of whether to kill himself, but when. At 19, when he was finally diagnosed, Duncan made researching TS his life’s path. He’s come to understand that his strange tics are release triggers for the high energy charging through him. By 27, he’s become a virtuoso at channelling this energy, finishing his doctorate in psychology and in nationwide demand as a speaker on the disorder. Life’s a Twitch takes us on a quirky ride into Duncan’s world, where he’s learned to turn his nightmare into a celebration. Colour, Beta-SP Video, in English. 31 mins.

Post-screening discussion with Dr. Diane Fast, Staff psychiatrist, BC Children’s Hospital Neuropsychiatry Clinic

Co-sponsored by the Greater Vancouver Chapter of the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada.

Frames of Mind is a monthly film event utilizing film and video to promote professional and community education on issues pertaining to mental health and illness.

Moderated by Dr. Harry Karlinsky, Director of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia.