Here Awhile Film Discussion Guide

About the Film

Here Awhile, starring Anna Camp, follows a young woman dying of cancer as she moves to Portland, Oregon, to access the state’s Death With Dignity Act. Anna superbly brings to life the voice of someone fighting to end her life on her own terms. “This is a topic that people shy away from — most people don’t want to talk about death,” Anna told Compassion & Choices. “But we’re all ultimately going to die at some point; it’s inevitable... No one should be forced to suffer.”

How to Host a Discussion Party

All you need:

• An invitation list, date and time
• A video conference platform, such as Zoom.
• Discussion questions (you can also create your own)

A few tips:

• Suggest guests watch the film before joining the discussion
• Encourage guests to get involved with Compassion & Choices
• Provide feedback to us at [email protected] (include anyone interested in getting more involved)

Provide feedback to us: 

Let us know about your discussion party and how it went! Your feedback will help us to improve the program for others. Email us at  [email protected] (include anyone interested in getting more involved).

Where to watch the film: 

Here Awhile is released for on-demand streaming and purchase:

Discussion Questions

1. What struck you the most watching this film? Did it make you think about death and dying differently?
2. Why do you think death is so hard to talk about openly in our culture?
3. The theme of acceptance runs through the movie in many different ways, what are your thoughts about acceptance as it relates to a patient’s preference at the end of life?
4. If it is not already legal in your state, do you think death with dignity could pass in your community? What are the steps you would need to take to help the movement?
5. Now that you’ve watched the film, do you think you’ll interact differently with someone living with a terminal diagnosis? Do you think you would prepare for your own death differently?
6. Are you personally willing to support such an effort?

Frame Your Discussion

Discuss the film in the context of the Compassion & Choices mission and our work. 

Compassion & Choices is the nation’s oldest, largest and most active nonprofit working to improve care, expand options and empower everyone to chart their end-of-life journey. We envision a society that affirms life and accepts the inevitability of death, embraces expanded options for compassionate dying, and empowers everyone to choose end-of-life care that reflects their values, priorities, and beliefs.

What You Can Do Now!

There are many ways to get involved: 

• Volunteer with Compassion & Choices
• Email or call your state legislator
• Become a storyteller
• Stay informed with the Staying Stronger Together seminar series
• Donate
• Start your own advance care plan

Consultation Services
Phone: 800.247.7421
Email: [email protected]