Documentary on author-activist Claire Wineland in works

A documentary on cystic fibrosis activist and YouTube star Claire Wineland, who died last week at the age of 21, is in production.

Oscar winner Nicholas Reed is working on the project, with all proceeds going to Claire's Place Foundation, the non-profit organisation the 21-year-old started to help families living with cystic fibrosis, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Wineland was taken off life-support on September 2, a week after suffering a massive stroke following a successful double-lung transplant. But for the previous 18 months, she had been working on a documentary with Reed, alongside producers Ryan Azevedo, Paul Foley and Phil Goldfine.

The film is slated for completion in November.

Diagnosed with the genetic disorder at birth, Wineland helped inspire numerous sufferers around the world, and was featured in major international media outlets as well as generating millions of views on her YouTube channel where she chronicled her ongoing health battles.

"When I met Claire I was totally blown away," said Reed, who won the Oscar for Best Documentary short in 2013 with Malcolm Clarke for "The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life".

"All my partners instantly said, 'She is the most amazing young person we have ever met, we have to do a film on her.' And wow, with each meeting we were humbled more and more by her story. We are honoured to have worked with Claire and with the blessing of her family on this official documentary that encapsulates the true nature of Claire and her courageous battle to help dignify people who are sick."

--IANS

rb/sed