STOP DROP AND ROLL

A granddaughter explores the lingering, intergenerational trauma of the first Stop, Drop and Roll case, which enabled her father to escape his sister’s tragic fate.

Propelled by an honest and joyous connection with her 87-year old Jewish grandmother, Autumn Ruch sets out to unravel, and begin healing, the grief that has been haunting their family, unspoken and untouched, for over 50 years. Since she was a child, Autumn has experienced inherited pain from a tragic family story that echoes in her head like folklore.

The year was 1970, and the Ruch family was having a Memorial Day BBQ party in their backyard in Van Nuys, Calif. Ernie Ruch was grilling, and Diane Ruch, pregnant with their fourth child, Frani, was enjoying time with everyone together. An ember from the grill caught a can of kerosene on fire, and the resulting flames engulfed two of the Ruch children: David (5) and Alisa (8). David was saved, when the oldest brother, Ethan (10) instinctively grabbed him and rolled him around on the ground, putting out the fire. Alisa took off running, and was hospitalized with 3rd degree burns all over her body. She died several weeks later. 

Diane does not see herself as a hero. She lives through the simple life motto of “forwards.” There is always more work to be done, and she says the work she has done will not bring her daughter back. Behind a seemingly close-knit family and heartfelt story of endurance, is a history of concealed grief.

Determined to break the silence, Autumn will collaborate with doctors, counselors, and art therapists to guide Diane, David, Frani, and herself to pull back the curtain, exploring their deep-seated intergenerational trauma as well as celebrating the joy of life, family, and the hope that arises from facing hardships, together. 

Seen through Autumn’s perspective, this new Ruch family narrative will be expressed through sketch-like animation, poetry, personal vlogs, and live coverage of the family art therapy sessions. By utilizing tools beyond the typical confines of reality, Autumn hopes to connect her family and paint their experience with the most truth. Beautiful, painful, and cathartic, Stop Drop and Roll aims to capture how difficult, raw, and imperfect the journey is for a family to face loss, and the bravery and strength of the individuals who endeavor to face it.

 

Every dollar counts! From $10 to $500,000!

By donating to this project you are embarking on a beautiful journey with us. This journey is all about healing, helping, overcoming grief, and seeing the beauty in being different.

The listed price packages below are for credits that will be displayed at the end of the feature film.

These funds will go toward the crew, travel, equipment, meals, housing, ANIMATION, marketing, festival fees, and any other filmmaking costs that might occur.

If you have any questions contact us at [email protected].

We are so so grateful for your love and support.

This is such an amazing story, and we are excited to bring it to the big screen with YOUR help!

$50 - Special thanks screen credit

$100 - Special thanks screen credit

$250 - Special thanks screen credit & Private Online Screening

$500 - Special thanks screen credit & Private Online Screening

$1,000 - Associate Producer screen credit & Private Online Screening

$3,000 - Associate Producer screen credit & Private Online Screening

$5,000 - Executive Producer screen credit & Private Online Screening