The Book Keepers

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The Book Keepers

2022

1h 29m

Documentary

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5 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Determined to keep his late-wife's dream alive, Dick Wall becomes the unlikely spokesperson for her debut memoir and embarks on an unexpected cross-country promotional tour. He's joined by his filmmaker son, who is torn between saving his mom's first book and his concern for how his dad is coping with their new reality. Their inspirational journey sparks discussion on loss, relationships, and the healing power of sharing stories. Carol Wall's debut memoir -- about cancer, friendship, and cultivating an open heart -- was a breakout success. But joy turned to tragedy when the breast cancer she wrote about returned, and she died months after its publication. Carol's husband, Dick, determined to help her life-affirming message find its audience, becomes the book's unlikely spokesperson and embarks on a nationwide book tour. He's joined by the couple's filmmaker son, Phil, who captures his dad's efforts to ensure her dream lives on. The result is an intimate portrait of love and loss -- an ode to the healing power of storytelling.

Margot Harrison

Seven Days (VT)

03/29/2023

4/5

Some of the doc's most interesting scenes happen on the road, where father and son compare their experiences of loss.

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Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

10/22/2022

4/5

A keen documentary with spiritual insights into grief and resilience.

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Rob Aldam

Backseat Mafia

10/14/2022

The strength of his film lies within this intimacy.

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Michael Calleri

Niagara Gazette

07/02/2022

Phil Wall, an accomplished documentary filmmaker, chronicles the passionate advocacy of his father. The resulting movie is a beautifully intimate portrait of loss and never-ending love.

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MaryAnn Johanson

Flick Filosopher

06/28/2022

3.5/5

A book is born; its author dies. Her husband takes up her work in a process of gentle, active mourning. Honest and hopeful, this journey through grief is beautifully structured for maximum poignance.

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Phil Wall

Director

Phil Wall

Producer

Naveen Malikarjuna

Producer

Nick Sprague

Producer

Teresa George

Executive Producer

Dick Wall

Executive Producer

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Synopsis

Determined to keep his late-wife's dream alive, Dick Wall becomes the unlikely spokesperson for her debut memoir and embarks on an unexpected cross-country promotional tour. He's joined by his filmmaker son, who is torn between saving his mom's first book and his concern for how his dad is coping with their new reality. Their inspirational journey sparks discussion on loss, relationships, and the healing power of sharing stories. Carol Wall's debut memoir -- about cancer, friendship, and cultivating an open heart -- was a breakout success. But joy turned to tragedy when the breast cancer she wrote about returned, and she died months after its publication. Carol's husband, Dick, determined to help her life-affirming message find its audience, becomes the book's unlikely spokesperson and embarks on a nationwide book tour. He's joined by the couple's filmmaker son, Phil, who captures his dad's efforts to ensure her dream lives on. The result is an intimate portrait of love and loss -- an ode to the healing power of storytelling.

Director: Phil Wall
Producer: Phil Wall, Naveen Malikarjuna, Nick Sprague
Distributor: First Run Features
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 17, 2022, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 18, 2022
Runtime: 1h 29m

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