‘The Final Act’ offers an intimate look at death through people who chose MAID

Toronto - After filming 69-year-old Céline Carpentier breathe her last before a medically assisted death, filmmaker Sophie Deraspe couldn't help but notice the life surrounding her. As she drove back home, mundane scenes appeared vividly alive - the light shining, people talking, cars moving, and even the neighbor mowing his lawn.

Her son was the first person she saw on arrival. He expressed excitement upon learning she had filmed a person dying. Deraspe shared the footage, immediately feeling emotional. She described the moment as beautiful, despite her sadness at her subject's passing. Deraspe intends to share this feeling with a wider audience through her documentary "The Final Act," premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The documentary features the final moments of those who chose medically assisted deaths, capturing their goodbye to loved ones and last reflections. Deraspe emphasizes this film is not about the political and legal debates surrounding MAID in Canada. She aims to explore the philosophical aspect of death in society through the eyes of those who have chosen it and the healthcare professionals who assist them.