Left on Purpose

Left on Purpose is a documentary film about the friendship between an aging anti-war activist who has decided that his last political act will be to take his own life and the filmmaker struggling to tell his story.

Midway through the filming of a documentary about his life as an anti war activist, Mayer Vishner declares that his time has passed and that his last political act will be to commit suicide— and he wants it all on camera. Now the director must decide whether to turn off his camera or use it to keep his friend alive. Left on Purpose is an award winning feature length documentary that confronts the growing issues of aging, isolation and end of life choices through an intense character driven story of the relationship between filmmaker and subject. With humor and heart it provides a rare cinematic look at what it means to be a friend to someone in pain. 

Trailer

Left On Purpose Filmbuff Trailer from Shadowbox Films on Vimeo.

Premieres & Awards

Winner Audience Award

Woodstock Film Festival

Winner Audience Award

Doc NYC

Winner Grand Jury Award Documentary

Florida Film Festival

Winner Best of Festival

Astra Film Festival

Winner Best Documentary

Destiny City Film Festival

Winner Special Jury Award

Berkeley Film Festival