The 2011 documentary film ‘How to Die in Oregon’ follows the decisions and experiences of persons preparing for and using Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act. Filmmaker Peter Richardson worked closely with Compassion & Choices of Oregon to meet and closely observe the process of Oregon law, and how individuals, families, physicians and friends make a unique personal choice at the end of life.
‘How to Die in Oregon’ won several film festival prizes for best documentary film, including the Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize, the Portland International Film Festival, the Ashland Independent Film Festival, and the Center For Documentary Studies Filmmaker Award and The Kathleen Bryan Edwards Award for Human Rights at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival. The film has played to packed houses at the SXSW Film Festival, and the Big Sky Film Festival.
The film has played on HBO since May 26. The DVD will be available for rent and sale in February 2012. There is no theatrical release planned for the film.
Purchase – How to Die in Oregon
Purchase – How to Die in Oregon – Educational License for less than 50 persons
Purchase – How to Die in Oregon – Educational License for more than 50 persons
Reviews of ‘How to Die in Oregon’
Unflinching End-of-Life Moments, New York Times review. January 24, 2011 (PDF)
HBO documentary probes Oregon’s euthanasia law. The Hollywood Reporter, January 28, 2011 (PDF)
‘How to Die in Oregon’ takes top documentary prize at Sundance. Oregonian, January 29, 2011 (PDF)
Sundance Goes Wild for ‘Like Crazy’; ‘How to Die in Oregon’ Nabs Top Honors. E! Online, January 29, 2011
‘How to Die in Oregon’: a Portland director’s prize-winning documentary about Death With Dignity comes to HBO. Oregonian, May 25, 2011 (PDF)
Peter Richardson’s ‘How To Die In Oregon’ [SXSW 2011 Review]. The Criterion Cast, May 24, 2011
Film director puts human face on assisted suicide. Reuters, May 24, 2011 (PDF)
What assisted suicide really looks like. Salon.com, May 24, 2011 (PDF)
‘How to Die in Oregon’ Takes an Intimate Look at Physician-Assisted Death. Mother Jones, May 27, 2011
HBO’s ‘How to Die in Oregon’ end of life politics and emotions. Monsters & Critics, May 26, 2011
