Wade in the Water A story of hope and the power of singing. A documentary film by Linette Etheredge
Breast cancer, illness and depression can be isolating for some but if you're a member of a community choir there is no place to hide. Wade in the Water is a documentary about one woman's journey with breast cancer and the choir she founded that became her "saving grace".
In 2002 Debi Candlish, originally from Alabama USA, founded South of the River Choir to share the joy and feel the spirit she had once experienced at a Southern Gospel meeting. Little did she know that the singing community she created in Melbourne, Australia would eventually become her “saving grace” through her long and difficult fight against breast cancer. Wade in the Water takes the audience on a journey with members of South of the River Choir as they prepare for the finals of the ABC Classic FM national choir competition in 2006. While observing practice sessions, rehearsals and gigs we meet several members of the choir and begin to understand what it is that makes a choir a community. We also understand and feel intimately the impact this community of singers had on Debi Candlish as she reflects on her diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Through in depth and emotionally charged interviews Debi describes the love and support she received from her choir and how she believes that in the end, singing saved her life.
Wade in the Water in the World! October 2010 Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year filmmaker Linette Etheredge will gift 300 copies of Wade in the Water to breast cancer support groups across Australia. With the help of BCNA Wade in the Water will reach 300 new breast cancer support groups this year and continue to share this story of hope and the power of singing.
On Sunday 17th February 2008 Wade in the Water was launched across Australia through community choir networks and the Sing Australia network. The national launch was a fantastic success with over 73 choirs involved in the event. National newspape newspaper and TV broadcast coverage raised public awareness of Breast Cancer Network Australia whilst the generosity of our wonderful singing communities raised over $22,000.00 to ensure the great work of Breast Cancer Network Australia continues to help those recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
In December 2008 Wade in the Water was nominated in the best documentary category of the 2008 Asian Festival of 1st Films. As one of the 28 films chosen from over 635 entries, Wade in the Water was warmly received. The festival is held in Singapore each year and accepts projects from first time film makers from the Asia - Pacific region.
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