Why I made a film in which I kill my dad
When cameraperson Kirsten Johnsonâs dad was diagnosed with dementia she knew she had to try and capture his spirit on film, before it was too late.
American filmmaker Kirsten Johnsonâs most recent film is called âDick Johnson is Deadâ, itâs about her dad, a man she has adored her whole life. A few years ago Dick was diagnosed with dementia. Scared that she was losing the man she loved, she decided she had to try and capture his spirit on screen. But this is no ordinary movie, it follows Kirsten as she stages her fatherâs death in a number of grisly ways. It may sound bizarre but it appealed to their shared sense of humour, and by seeing him come back to life over and over again it allowed Kirsten to feel like she was making her dad live forever. Kirstenâs documentary film Dick Johnson Is Dead is now available to watch on Netflix.
We revisit a story from Verona, the home of Romeo and Juliet, and also the setting for our very own lockdown love story. Paolo Agnelli and Michele D'Alpaos share their tale of falling for each other from their balconies.
Picture: Dick Johnson
Credit: Dick Johnson Is Dead
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