Twitch

Twitch (2014) is a documentary film directed by Kristen Powers, Eva Ilona Brzeski.

Twitch follows 18-year-old Kristen Powers as she undergoes genetic testing for the disease that killed her mother. Huntington’s Disease (HD), a neurodegenerative brain disorder, destroys an individual’s ability to walk, talk, think, and reason, eventually leading to death. The film will chronicle the emotional, social and medical journey through this important test, as well as the impact it has on an individual’s future. Twitch explores the science with major Huntington’s Disease experts and activists who will provide deeper insight into the complexities and hopes buried in the disease. Huntington’s has great stigma surrounding it; solving its mystery could potentially lead to the cures of not only HD but also several other neurological illnesses such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimers and ALS. This documentary will highlight the pressures people, especially young adults, face when given the chance to be handed their medical fate.

Cast

Kristen Powers

Kristen Powers

Nicola Jane Powers

Kristen's Mother

Mary C. Edmondson, MD

Psychiatrist, Duke University

Ed Powers

Kristen's Father

Nathaniel Powers

Kristen's Brother

Jennifer Ballew

Kristen's Teacher

Daniel Woldorff

Kristen's Best Friend

Betsy Banks Powers

Kristen's Adoptive Mother

Donald Lo, PhD

Neuroscientist, Duke University

Adriane Terrell

Adriane Terrell

Ryan Terrell

Adriane's Husband

Brian Mirabito

Brian Mirabito