Released on: January 31, 2008, 10:47 am

Press Release Author: Fran Berger/The New England Institute of Art

Industry: Healthcare

Press Release Summary: The film, written, produced and directed by Rachelle Dermer,
chronicles how she found her way back to physical and mental health through a
combination of mountain biking and filmmaking.

Press Release Body: (Brookline, MA) February 1, 2008 -After two surgeries for
uterine cancer, Rachelle Dermer fought to reclaim her life, or at least the life
she'd known. She found her way back to physical and mental health through a
combination of mountain biking and filmmaking. The result is her feature film
"Commit to the Line" that premieres on Thursday, February 21 at the Coolidge Corner
Theatre.

The film will be followed by a panel discussion with medical experts, recovery
activists and people who starred in, or were part of, the film's making.

Dermer, who is currently the Chair of the Photography Department at The New England
Institute of Art says, "Capturing on film the honesty of women in all stages of
their lives who are attempting to conquer their fears and push their limits, has
been the most meaningful and healing thing I've done in my life."

The film, written, produced and directed by Dermer, chronicles her experiences at a
woman's mountain biking camp in Whistler, Canada. The film takes us through her -
and many other women's experiences - as they each conquer their fears and confront
their demons. At the film's conclusion, each participant, in her own way, has
achieved her personal goal.

Following the film, Dermer will lead an informal discussion. Sharing the stage will
be:
Diane Cotting of the Cotting Connection. After battling cancer, Cotting returned
to the sport of rowing and founded her organization to help others,
Dr. Ursula Matulonis, renowned oncologist at the Dana-Farber Center Institute
Daamiann Skelton, the film's featured coach and retired professional downhill racer
who has been featured in films such as "Kranked III" and "Hardihood"
Dr. Trude Kleinschmidt, Harvard Psychiatrist and Director of Program
Development at The Pavilion, McLean Hospital, who has an academic interest in the
effects of trauma and fear in womens\' lives,
Christopher McKenzie, the film's editor.

More information is available at www.committotheline.com
The film screens at 7 pm in the upstairs theater at the Coolidge. Film lovers and
anyone confronting cancer and its related issues are encouraged to attend. The
theatre's regular admission will be charged.


Web Site: http://www.artinstitutes.edu/boston

Contact Details: Fran Berger
PR Director
The New England Institute of Art
10 Brookline Place West
Brookline, MA 02445
617 582-4442
fberger@aii.edu