In his mother's home village, 600 miles from Lima, Dr. Luis Vasquez attempts to leave his legacy. For 10 years, “Mortality of Dreams” follows the construction of a sustainably designed, state of the art, and international volunteer-run hospital, which will provide healthcare for all.
Crowdfunded, recipient of an Awesome Without Borders grant, and fiscally sponsored by the International Documentary Association (IDA). Aired on Vermont PBS, screened across the country, and acquired by Ivy Leagues and other Universities including, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Stanford, Middlebury, DePaul, UCLA. Distributed worldwide streaming and on DVD directly from the filmmaker or through Alexander Street.
What are the consequences of obsessing over a dream in order to leave a legacy? And will anyone show up to see it? 81-year-old retired cardiologist, Luis Vasquez dreams of a state of the art, volunteer-run hospital that will serve everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. The catch? It will be over 600 miles from Lima, in the middle of the jungle.
As a longitudinal story, it is filmed and structured over 10 years (2007 – 2016) with annual visits.
Global Health: With struggling healthcare systems and global health epidemics, this story is important, timely, and needs attention. Dr. Vasquez looks for a way to provide top care for all, regardless of one’s ability to pay. Doctors from around the world see this opportunity to help a an underserved population, as well as learn. In a tiny village, a universal model is created.
Latin America & Rural Economics: This is the story of Latin heritage and returning to one’s roots. It captures a town unchanged for 100 years, held back by government, as it learns to change on its own.
Volunteer Travel: Immersing oneself into a new culture is the dream of many. This film takes viewers inside a tiny Peruvian village and tells the story of the impact one can have on the world.
Architectural Design: Dr. Vasquez sets out to build the “first green hospital in Peru”. Solar power, airflow, and the power of healthcare design to heal are discussed. The film is also a reality check for anyone undertaking a construction project, revealing hurdle after hurdle.
Older Generations: Much can be accomplished in the final years of life, and Dr. Vasquez at 81 years old inspires all ages into action.
HEALTHCARE SPECIALISTS INVOLVED IN YANTALO INCLUDE:
Johns Hopkins Medical School
Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters
PAMS (Peruvian American Medical Society)
San Marcos U. Medical School (Peru)
San Martin de Porres Univ Medical School (Peru)
Universidad Cientifica del Sur (Peru)
César Vallejo University (Peru)
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
University of Rochester Medical Center
University of Central Florida
Emory University
University of Michigan - School of Medicine
Mending Kids California
Yale University - School of Medicine
UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago)
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING!
An amazing journey of resilience and obsession for Vasquez, which threatens to destroy his own personal life, while improving the lives of others. -White River Indie Festival
It is an essential documentary to watch for anyone wanting to learn about health care access in South American countries and why it can be such a struggle to build a hospital far away from any big cities. The way Dr. Luis Vasquez brought together a community of international doctors makes you admire his willingness to follow a dream no matter what stands in the way. – Program Director New York Times Student Journeys
I was moved to tears...It is truly inspiring to see what can be accomplished when you dream beyond any given limitation. This story is more than a hospital being built, it's about the power of believing in the possibilities. - Latin American, Blogger & Producer
It tells a unique story of people motivated by a charismatic figure to improve health care in rural Peru. - Keith T. Oldham, MD: Surgeon in Chief Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
You need films like this to remind you that what feels like your day-today monotony, is impactful and important. - Philip Gyura DNP, FNP-BC: Director of Addiction Care
It was interesting to see how building a hospital transforms so many facets of life (infrastructure, education) that goes far beyond medicine - Audience member, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
PRESS & MORE LINKS!
Check out the successful fundraiser SEED&SPARK
Check out the 2014 grant awarded to the film by Awesome Without Borders
Check out this Press!
September 2018: The Commons
October 2018: Brattleboro Reformer
September 2016: Living In Peru (Worldwide Peru news source for English Speakers)
September 2016: We Are Moving Stories (Interview article - Online Film Publisher)
September 2016: Brattleboro Reformer
