I urge you to see a remarkable film, "39 pounds of love," by Israeli Director Dani Menkin. This documentary features the life of Ami Ankilewitz, who lives life to the fullest, despite a debilitating medical condition. Ami's life is explored in all its aspects: the medical condition that limits him physically, his creativity which soars in his animation, family feuds & dysfunction, the keen devotion of his friend, Asaf, and the discomfort society exhibits towards his physical disability. Director Menkin intersperses scenes from Ami's animation with his real life, which juxtapose his longing for love with his bodily limitations. The film forces us to confront our own views on the essence of the soul -- Ami's powerful persona comes through vividly, achingly at times, as we witness his quest for love and truth while on a road trip with the film crew.As a director, Dani Menkin proves himself to be a sensitive and integral part of the film. He never intrudes, yet manages to participate in Ami's life both as director and friend. He documents Ami's dignity and personal philosophy in a visually beautiful and deeply moving way. You will laugh and cry and reflect on the beautiful messages and images long after seeing the film. For more information on the film and viewing locations, go to www.39poundsoflove.com. This film is winning prestigious awards and opening in major cities.

I had the opportunity recently to go and watch 39 pounds of love. What a great movie! Ami displayed a great spirit for life, and the human will to live. I feel inspired to live a better, more meaningful life and to show gratitude for the things I enjoy. Good Job AMI. The movie is above the rest this year and should win the Oscar. When my wife and I saw the movie we both expressed our desire to be better people and spend more time with our children. This is the type of film that makes people better. This is the type of film that people will enjoy. 39 pounds of love will make you smile, laugh, cry, and be proud of the human will and spirit. You will feel uplifted.

What's written on the poster is: "At birth he was given 6 years to live... At 34 he takes the journey of a lifetime." Ami is an American-born Israeli who was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy disease at the age of one. At age of 34, after the love toward his 22 years old care-giver didn't go well, he decided to come to the US to face the doctor who said that he would have only 6 years to live. He wanted to show the doctor that he is still alive, and weights 39 pounds. Why? Your guess is as good as mine, even I have seen this film.Obviously it's courageous to live when all he can move is his left index finger, but why does he have so much anger toward the doctor who diagnosed his disease 34 years ago? His doctor just told his mom that based on the medical history, people with his disease won't live long. What's the point of him showing up at old doctor's door for? Why is tracking down this old doctor in the US is a journey of his lifetime? There are so many things we might be interested in Ami's life: how can he make those animations with the movement of only one finger? How can he go through daily lives while totally depending on others? How did he out lived his doctor's prediction? How does he deal emotionally when other people look at him like looking at a strange creature? The movie told us none of that. Instead, the filmmaker got a van and set up a trip to let Ami to show up at his old doctor's door in order to show him that he is still alive. I thought it was a joke.

I saw 39 Pounds of Love at the Edmonton film festival. I wasn't sure what to except, however, this film far exceeded my expectations. Ami Ankilewitz, whom the documentary is about, breaks down all the established notions of what living with a "disability" is like. He is smart, adventurous, girl-crazy and really funny! The journey he goes on in the film, to make peace with himself and with others, is such a universal story that I can't imagine someone not relating to him in some way. I left the theater with the feeling that I had experienced something really special. Top notch film-making with a truly compelling story. The visuals and music were on par with docs like Mad Hot Ballroom and My Architect. And most importantly, I think Ami's story has the potential to move people in extraordinary ways.I don't want to give much away, so I will just say if you have the opportunity to see the film (opening in NY 11/23 at Landmark Sunshine Theatre) - GO SEE IT. You will be glad you did...