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Edith+Eddie

Edith and Eddie, ages 96 and 95, are America's oldest interracial newlyweds. Their love story is disrupted by a family feud that threatens to tear the couple apart.

Edith Hill and Eddie Harrison got married in Virginia at ages 96 and 95. Dancing at the honky-tonk and going to church, their newlywed life is filled with affection, prayer and faith. Since tying the knot, both Edith and Eddie have experienced an awakening; they have a new reason to get up in the morning. At the start of each day, he helps her put in her teeth. They enjoy exercising and relaxing by the river. They are always holding hands. However, this fairytale love story hovers in great contrast to a nightmarish reality. The couple is embroiled in a legal battle between Edith’s daughters, over Edith’s estate and her rights. Edith has been diagnosed with mild dementia. Edith’s daughter Rebecca is advocating for Edith’s right to stay in her own home with Eddie. Rebecca’s sister Patricia, who lives in Florida, is pursuing the sale of the home and Edith’s eviction. The daughters are unable to reach an agreement so a court has appointed an outside guardian for Edith, named Jessica Niesen. Stripped of her own decision making, Edith is now a ward of the state.

Edith and Eddie’s marriage is in danger of being torn apart. Then things take a dramatic turn. What happens when someone’s life is taken out of his/her own hands? Who has their best interest in mind? Filmmaker Laura Checkoway (Lucky) presents an unforgettable emotional portrait of a guardianship abuse case. The story of Edith+Eddie is a testament to all elders who deserve dignity and the right to live out their last days as they have earned.

Filmmakers

Co-Producer / Editor

P. Corwin Lamm

Cinematography

Neil Barrett
John Larson

Executive Producers

Cher
Steve James
Gordon Quinn
Betsy Steinberg

Media

Awards and Distinctions

AFI Docs

Official Selection

2017

Camden International Film Festival

Official Selection

2017

Camerimage Poland International Film Festival

Official Selection

2017

Chicago International Film Festival

Official Selection

2017

Cinema Eye Honors

Semi-Finalists

"Shorts List"

2017

Dokufest Kosovo

Official Selection

2017

Frontdoc International Documentary Film Festival

Official Selection

2017

Hamptons International Film Festival

Winner

Jury Award for Best Documentary Short; New York Premiere

2017

Hot Docs

Official Selection

International Premiere

2017

Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival

Official Selection

2017

International Documentary Association (IDA) Documentary Awards

Winner

Best Short

2017

International Nevada City Film Festival

Winner

Best Documentary Short

2017

Legacy Film Festival on Aging

Official Selection

2017

Montclair Film Festival

Winner

Audience Award - Best Short

2017

New Orleans Film Festival

Official Selection

2017

Palm Springs International Shortfest

Winner

Jury Award for Best Documentary

2017

Rhode Island International Film Festival

Winner

Best Documentary - Flickers' Youth Film Jury Awards

2017

Riga International Film Festival 2Annas

Official Selection

2017

Sheffield Doc/Fest

Official Selection

Jury Honorable Mention - Short Doc Award

2017

Tallgrass Film Festival

Winner

Outstanding Documentary Short Film

2017

True/False

Official Selection

World Premiere

2017

Unorthodocs

Official Selection

2017