'Last Pyramid' Documentary Wins Film of the Year at Northern Virginia International Film Festival

LANDOVER, MD – “Last Pyramid,” a documentary produced by the Epilepsy Foundation and Greg Grunberg (the film’s executive producer and actor in projects including “Heroes” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”), won Film of the Year at the inaugural Northern Virginia International Film Festival (NOVA) on Saturday, April 18, 2015.

“The gravity in choosing NOVA’s first Film of the Year weighed heavily upon us,” said Fernando A. Mico, executive director of the Northern Virginia Film Festival. “This grand champion of the festival would set the precedent and the standard for all films we accept for the life of our event. In a very crowded field of exemplary films, ‘Last Pyramid’ made an incredibly difficult decision feel like a calming wind. After experiencing this film, we knew we had found our ambassador. ‘Last Pyramid’ ascends beyond fantastic film and humbly crosses the threshold of pure art.”

“Last Pyramid” tells the story of Patricia Barnes, who, following her son Kevin’s epilepsy-related death in 2001, thought her life was over. Then one day, she awoke with the urge to create a series of stained glass pyramids never having made one before. Thirteen years and 20 pyramids later, Trish decided to complete the final piece and move forward from her loss. A story of healing through creation, “Last Pyramid” chronicles Trish’s journey from tragedy to triumph as she finishes her final tribute to the life of her child. The film’s crew includes Dave Schachter, director/producer; Ben Powell, director of photography; and Samantha Macher, writer/producer.

“I am so proud of the creative team that made this film possible,” said Grunberg. “Kevin was such an incredible kid. His mom, Trish, was brave to open up and share her loss so deeply and movingly with our audience. Kevin’s story will now touch so many lives. Being honored by the Northern Virginia Film Festival opens many more doors, widens our audience, and allows us to share the message of the immediate need for new therapies for people living with epilepsy, like my son.”

Grunberg, whose oldest son has seizures, is a vigorous advocate for epilepsy awareness on the national stage and in the Los Angeles area. He also serves as a spokesperson for the Epilepsy Foundation.

“The Epilepsy Foundation is thrilled by the success of ‘Last Pyramid’ at NOVA,” said Philip M. Gattone, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. “Trish Barnes showed amazing courage in sharing her powerful experience. This important film will further increase awareness of the impact of epilepsy on the entire family, and it will help us continue the fight on behalf of all people living with recurring seizures.”

The Northern Virginia Film Festival’s mission is to bring a slice of Hollywood to the Northern Virginia and Greater Washington, D.C., metro area by promoting the artistically and culturally significant film arts through education and exhibition. This was the first year of the event, which was held April 13 to 18 at the Angelika Film Center at Mosaic in Fairfax, Va.

The film’s premiere debut will take place at the 2015 Epilepsy Pipeline Community Conference on May 16 at the Turnberry Isle Resort in Aventura, Fla. The unique one-day conference is dedicated to people living with seizures, their loved ones, and epilepsy advocates. Registration for the conference is free and open to anyone; for more information and to register, click here.

To learn more about the film and see its trailer, click here. “Last Pyramid” was made possible with a grant provided by UCB.

About Epilepsy
When a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, they are considered to have epilepsy. Epilepsy affects nearly 3 million people in the U.S. and 65 million worldwide. This year, another 150,000 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy.

About the Epilepsy Foundation
The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with nearly 50 affiliated organizations throughout the United States, has led the fight against seizures since 1968. The Foundation is an unwavering ally for individuals and families impacted by epilepsy and seizures. The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to stop seizures and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), find a cure, and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy through efforts including education, advocacy, and research to accelerate ideas into therapies. The Foundation works to ensure that people with seizures have the opportunity to live their lives to their fullest potential.

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