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Pieces of a Dream: A Story of Gambling

Directed by Michelle Wong
Canada, 2003 (documentary, 48 minutes, colour, English / Taishanese)
Pieces of a Dream: A Story of Gambling
Image: © National Film Board of Canada
Video (National Film Board of Canada)

Film Description:
"When Phillip Wong died by suicide, his family thought that silence would end their pain. But his sister, filmmaker Michelle Wong, needed to make sense of her brother's death. What drove him to end his life at age 36? Weaving together intimate conversations with those closest to Phillip, as well as her own candid reflections, Wong embarks on a personal journey. Gently peeling away layers of silence, she uncovers her brother's story of gambling addiction and his lonely spiral into desperation, isolation and depression. Filmed against the backdrop of the noisy casinos of Las Vegas and the quiet town of St. Paul, Alberta, the documentary lays bare the grief of family and friends. Sifting through feelings of guilt, sadness and shame, the once-fragmented family begins to discover a new closeness. This heart-wrenching film is a sister's uncompromising search for the truth and healing—for herself, her family, and others struggling with addiction."
-- National Film Board of Canada (source)

Film Credits (partial):
Written by: Michelle Wong
Produced by: Bonnie Thompson, Jerry Krepakevich, Wendy Hill-Tout, Graydon McCrea
Cinematography: Daron Donahue
Film Editing: Bridget Durnford
Music: Bruce Leitl
Production Company: National Film Board of Canada / Office national du film du Canada
(sources)

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