The Man Who Learned to Fall

This 2004 documentary by Garry Beitel features the life of Phil Simmons, gifted writer and eloquent professor, who celebrates the wonders of life even as he is slowly dying of ALS. As his muscles deteriorate and his body becomes increasingly paralyzed, Simmons continues to ‘wrestle joy from heartbreak’ at each stage of his ongoing losses. This film is a personal view of Phil Simmons and his family on their journey together during the last months of his life. Phil Simmons is also the author of Learning to Fall. (1h17min)