First Cousin Once Removed

Invited

Alan Berliner always felt a particular affinity to his cousin Edwin Honig. Edwin was a professor, translator, and poet who had a celebrated career. His artistic sensibilities inspired Alan: They discussed art and life with a synchronicity all their own. So when Edwin began to succumb to Alzheimer’s disease, Alan was naturally devastated. But instead of closing the book on their exchanges, Alan chooses to embrace his friend and mentor on film. What emerges through these fragmented conversations, repeated introductions, and asides about the progression of their relationship is a personal document of a rare connection between two men. Even as memory fades, there is a dynamic between the cousins that refuses to lapse along with it. The film pays tribute to the man Edwin was, and the man he becomes through his trials with the illness. This cinematic keepsake reminds us how vital it can be to find connection and with what grace one can choose to approach letting go.  ST

Director

Alan Berliner

Producer

Alan Berliner

Editor

Alan Berliner

Cinematographers

Ian Vollmer, Susi Korda (Story Consultant), Monica Saviron (Creative Associate), Miranda Hentoff (Composer)

Release Year

2012

Festival Year

2013

Country

United States

Run Time

78 minutes