Beyond Laughter and Tears: A Journey of Hope

PseudoBulbar Affect, or PBA, is a neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable outbursts of laughter or crying. It occurs in people who have suffered traumatic brain injuries or strokes, or who have conditions such as Alzheimer's or Multiple Sclerosis. It is still not widely known or spoken of, yet it afflicts nearly two million Americans. They include: Scott, a charming single parent who has MS and is stricken with sudden bursts of hysterical laughter; Dyanna, a retired deputy sheriff and nurse who had a stroke and is now prone to frequently bursting into tears; and Bobby, a truck-driver and biker raised in a hyper-macho culture, who had a traumatic brain injury and is now so emotional he cries at TV commercials. These and other extraordinary men and women open up about the physical challenges, medical ignorance, and social stigmas they now face in everyday life. Deeply moving and ultimately triumphant, BEYOND LAUGHTER & TEARS: A JOURNEY OF HOPE is an intimate film that raises awareness. (Cleveland International Film Festival)