In 1983, a disabled Californian woman named Elizabeth Bouvia sought the “right to die,” igniting a national debate about autonomy, dignity, and the value of disabled lives. After years of courtroom trials, Bouvia disappeared from public view. Disabled director Reid Davenport narrates this investigation of what happened to Bouvia.

Life After brings Reid Davenport back to Sundance after his 2022 Sundance Film Festival debut, I Didn’t See You There. Reid’s signature participatory approach makes this investigation both gripping and personal. His insightful perspective and evident passion build a look at one complex case into an expansive and existential exploration of the theoretical sanctity of life and the stark practical realities of disabled experience in an ableist society. Profound and unflinching, this documentary engages in philosophical terrain that is treacherous, challenging, and ultimately rich and necessary. Life After looks closely and critically at where progressive values of bodily autonomy and individual choice collide with latent fears of disability and an unequal value of the lives of disabled people. In doing so, Reid untangles an issue at the heart of our moral societal standing.—Ash Hoyle

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 30–February 2) and credentialed press and industry (January 29–February 2).