The Beat Goes On – A Journey of Hope following musician, Willard Blackwell

“The Beat Goes On” is a journey of hope, following Zydeco musician Willard Blackwell’s life with ALS, while his friend connects with him with holistic healers, ALS reversal patients who regained their mobility, and a Harvard neurologist who invented an instrument that allowed Willard to play music with his mind.

Director’s Statement:

As director of The Beat Goes On, I began this documentary with one simple goal: to help my friend Willard Blackwell find hope after his ALS diagnosis. Music had always been central to his life with the Gator Beat and Gator Nation Band, so I set out to keep him connected to it. Our journey led us to Seattle to explore the encephalophone, a hands free instrument that allows Willard to play music with his mind. Along the way, we met ALS reversal patients whose stories expanded the film’s scope. I hope this documentary inspires newly diagnosed patients to seek options, hold onto hope, and support the fight for ALS research.

Trailers & Related Video Clips

#1   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTbAIHsLQKg

#2   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml53ZsQ8fs0&t=116s

#3   https://youtu.be/1izMC7gHXIU

ALS Fight Song– “Life is a Journey”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0S_cw7nPlY

Why I Made The Beat Goes On Documentary-Kathleen McCallum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWpzt6SO_7k

Websites

http://thebeatgoeson-alsfilm.com 

https://willardblackwellals.com/the-beat-goes-on-review/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/WillardBlackwellALS/