Pixela Films proudly announces the release of their latest documentary film, “The House We Lived In,” accompanied by a moving soundtrack by American indie folk band Bon Iver. This deeply personal project, which took 12 years to complete, holds a special place in the heart of Pixela Co-Founder, Tim O’Donnell, as it chronicles the journey of his father, Tod, from the brink of a life-threatening coma to a remarkable recovery.
Initiated within the stark confines of an ICU with nothing but an iPhone, the documentary traces Tod O’Donnell’s extraordinary path from the grips of an eight-day coma to the miracle of his rehabilitation. Amidst this tumultuous period, the O’Donnell family grappled with the loss of their home due to financial struggles. Yet, the most profound loss was Tod’s memory of the home they once cherished together. Through a series of innovative installations and poignant home movies, Tim embarks on a heartfelt mission to resurrect the memories that appear lost to his father. However, as memories resurface in the form of dreams, the family confronts the challenge of accepting this new iteration of their patriarch.
Reflecting on the arduous yet transformative journey, Director Tim O’Donnell shares, “It feels surreal to be finished with a film about my dad and family that took the last 12 years of my life to make. When my dad was in a coma and we didn’t have any information at all about what a brain injury was… Our film took a lot longer than we expected – but now we have something to share with the next family or anyone navigating a new challenge, my dad’s new mission is to help others in any way he can. I’m very proud to be part of that. ‘The House We Lived In’ is by far the most important thing I’ve ever gotten to make.”
“The House We Lived In” has not only captured the hearts of audiences but has also earned critical acclaim, receiving the Best Documentary award at the NH Film Festival. It has been selected for prestigious film festivals such as the San Francisco Documentary Film Festival, Woods Hole, Independent Film Festival Boston, and Ashland Film Festival, with screenings at renowned institutions including MIT, Harvard, and UCLA. The film’s impact has been further elevated through partnerships with the Brain Injury Association of America, with clips showcased on ESPN, highlighting its profound narrative.
Renowned platforms including NPR and ESPN have showered accolades on the film, with NPR calling it “A really amazing film with a great story,” and ESPN describing it as “An absolute powerhouse of a film.”
In alignment with Brain Injury Awareness Month, “The House We Lived In” will be distributed by Gravitas Ventures and released on March 12, 2024, through Amazon, Google Play, AppleTV, and more. This poignant documentary promises to be a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for audiences worldwide.
About Pixela Films: Pixela Films is a dynamic film production company based in Greater Boston, dedicated to crafting compelling narratives that inspire and provoke thought. Specializing in documentary filmmaking, Pixela Films explores the intricacies of the human condition and the resilience of the human spirit.
About Director Tim O’Donnell: Tim O’Donnell is an Emmy-nominated and award-winning documentary filmmaker whose work has been showcased on prominent platforms including ESPN, NBC, PBS, and CNN Films. His previous works include “Not a War Story” and “Life Without Basketball,” which have garnered widespread acclaim and distribution.
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