Praise for American Heart
“In my 39 years of screening documentaries, I can recall only one that captured me as completely as this one did. I was blown away. It is a spectacular film.”
- Bill Hanley, Vice President, Twin Cities Public Television
“Beautiful film! American Heart packs an emotional wallop as it portrays the lasting legacy of commitment, caring, and hope.”
- Social Justice Film Festival
“The film's goal is a simple one: to offer a look into the real lives of real people as they face all-too-real health challenges.”
- Minnesota Public Radio
“A wonderful documentary film… end-of-life issues, family, resilience and how life unfolds in mysterious ways.”
- Robin Lackner, health care consultant, The Human Heart
“ An indie gem… The viewer cannot help but root for the three men and admire the commitment of the physicians and staffers.”
- Ruben Rosario, St. Paul Pioneer Press
“A wonderful film that is an eye-opener for anyone concerned about the lives of immigrants and refugees in our country, with beautifully detailed portraits of three immigrants from Ethiopia, Burma, and Cambodia.”
- Big Water Film Festival
“These individual stories of grief and resilience are interesting enough on their own terms, and while hot-button topics such as immigration reform and healthcare costs are not directly addressed, American Heart puts a compelling face on these issues. Recommended.”
- Video Librarian Magazine
“After seeing this film, I have committed to making curiosity and compassion bigger in my life."
- Sandra Kramer, President, Minnesota Health Strategy and Communications Network
Press Coverage Links
- Film illustrates health care through refugees' eyes on Minnesota Public Radio - includes audio
- Film shows heroism, heartbreak at St. Paul clinic - St. Paul Pioneer Press
- How Paid Family Leave Would Have Made Life Easier For One Famiy - Health Affairs Blog
- Go Behind the Scenes with America ReFramed: Digital - includes video
- MN Doc gets Nat'l Premiere - Minnesota Film & TV Board newsletter
- Curiosity and compassion in your life by Sandra Kramer, Minnesota Health Strategy and Communications Network
- The Human Heart on Robin Lackner's blog
- American Heart, Part II on Robin Lackner's blog
- Lincoln Live goes in-depth on American Heart: 30-minute KFOR radio interview - includes audio
- Bronze Jury Prize at the 2013 Social Justice Film Festival
- Moving Pictures Blog - Council on Social Work Education
- Healthcare & Filmmaking, at Minnesota School of Business - Part 1
- Healthcare & Filmmaking, at Minnesota School of Business - Part 2
- Audience Favorite at the 2014 Big Water Film Festival
- American Heart at Global Leadership Event - St. Catherine University
- Art With Impact blog post
- Finding Refuge U.S. blog post
- Chris Newberry at FFF - Fargo Film Festival announcement