A Letter from the Producer of Audrey’s Children

Audrey’s Children cast and crew. Photo credit ”Audrey’s Children”.

What a ride 2022 has been! After nearly five years of writing, fundraising, and producing the feature film “Audrey’s Children,” I’m thrilled to say we officially completed filming and we’re now in post-production!

For those who are new to “Audrey’s Children,” it’s the upcoming feature film about your iconic co-founder of Ronald McDonald House Charities and decorated pediatric oncologist, Dr. Audrey Evans. The film takes place in 1969 when Audrey arrives in Philadelphia as the first female Chief of Pediatric Oncology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) at a time when most of her patients didn’t survive. Throughout the course of our film, we follow Audrey as she develops a revolutionary staging system that transforms survival rates of Neuroblastoma from 10% to nearly 90% now. The film culminates in 1974 at the grand opening of the first Ronald McDonald House in the world, in Philadelphia.

“Audrey’s Children” stars the incredible Natalie Dormer (of “Game of Thrones”), with an all-star supporting cast that includes Jimmi Simpson (of “West World”) and Clancy Brown (of “John Wick”). We filmed the entire movie in just twenty-three days across the Greater Philadelphia area, including filming (and closing to the public) Philadelphia’s City Hall! It’s my hope that we teleport viewers into another era through our immense research and attention to detail to recreate 1969 and 1974. We had dozens of period cars, custom costumes (with accompanying hair and makeup), period medical equipment, and our team transformed a vacant hospital to become our 1969 CHOP! The production was a magical whirlwind of overcoming obstacles to create something beautiful on screen that Audrey, and all of you, would be proud of. Sadly, during filming we lost our dear Audrey at the age of 97. As heartbreaking as it is that she won’t be here physically to see the final product, Audrey was involved in every step of the way until the end, and even got to see some of the footage. I know for certain that we have gained the most incredible guardian angel who will be watching (and drinking fizzy wine) from above.

Now that filming is complete, we are in editing for the next few months and targeting top film festivals across the world for a 2023 premiere. If you would like to get involved in the film, there are many ways. I’m still fundraising to close a modest gap to get us through post-production, so please reach out if you’re interested in contributing to the film. Also, and most importantly, when the film hits the screens, please tell everyone you know to follow “Audrey’s Children” on social media and go see this special film!

Thank you all so much for going on this journey with me and the entire “Audrey’s Children” team. I can’t wait for you, and the world, to see the story of a woman who changed the lives of millions.

Julia Fisher Farbman, Writer, Producer
www.AudreysChildren.com