Groundbreaking New Documentary “MaMa/M.A.M.A.” Exposes the Truth About Medical Mystery
New film examines how hundreds of lives are shattered by questionable allegations of Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy.
Hollywood, CA (PRWEB via PR Web
Direct) October 14, 2004 –- Oscar™-nominated, documentary filmmaker Amy
Sommer announced the availability of “Mama/M.A.M.A.,” a first-ever documentary
investigation that questions the validity of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy
(“MSbP”), a poorly understood and highly controversial medical disorder. This
groundbreaking film examines how three families were shattered by these
allegations. The documentary effectively argues that, rather than a mother’s
alleged mental illness, in many cases, doctors’ over-medication of infants may
likely be the cause of their sickness. The film is now available on DVD at www.munchausenmovie.com.
MSbP is a bizarre form of supposed child abuse in which a mother is
alleged to feign her child’s illness, or even to make her child sick, in order
to attract the sympathy and praise of the medical community. The film traces the
formation of M.A.M.A., Mothers Against MSbP Accusations, an international
support group made up of accused families who support each other via research
and an active on-line forum. The filmmakers spent three years closely observing
how the lives of three families were disrupted by medical professionals’
allegations and uncovered disturbing questions about the medical profession’s
use of this devastating diagnosis.
Producer Sommer and Director Nonny de
la Peña, both mothers and accomplished filmmakers, find that the illnesses
supposedly caused by over one hundred “Munchausen Mothers,” were in fact, caused
by potentially toxic drugs--drugs that were never approved for pediatric use.
Additionally, the film traces the origins of the diagnosis and shows how no one,
until now, has questioned the dubious science that has led to twenty-five years
of mothers and children being torn apart.
“This film powerfully shows
that, before we point a finger at a mother, doctors need to fully investigate
drug side effects and other possibilities when considering why a child is ill,”
said Nonny de la Peña, director, MAMA/M.A.M.A.
“There are so many
conflicts of interest in medicine — drug research funding, information about
which trials are published — that even common infant conditions can become a
lightning rod for MSbP accusations,” added Amy Sommer, producer, MAMA/M.A.M.A.
De la Peña and Sommer previously collaborated on the critically
acclaimed, “The Jaundiced Eye.” Their individual credits include
“Unconstitutional” and “Waco: The Rules of Engagement,” among others.
Mama/M.A.M.A. runs 100 minutes and retails for $19.95. For more
information, visit www.munchausenmovie.com.
Editors’ note: Director Nonny
de la Peña and producer Amy Sommer are available for interviews, live
appearances, and Internet chats. Ms. De la Peña is fluent in Spanish as well as
English. For a review copy of the film, contact the agency
above.
CONTACT:
The Lab
(818) 679-6573
Chip
Carter
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/10/prweb167950.htm