The Film

Poster for the film '24 Days Without You' by Rebecca Rizzio, featuring a blurred image of Henry and Annie. Includes text about childbirth and Twin Cities Film Fest selections.

On March 22, 2020, Annie and Tony checked into the hospital for what should have been a routine delivery of their baby boy.

Early the next morning, Annie experienced an Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) -- a rare and often fatal complication of childbirth. This is the story of the heroic efforts of Annie's care team to save her and her baby from near death, the subsequent devastation resulting from birth trauma, and Annie's never-ending determination to find her way to her son.

The Music

Promotional image for "24 Days Without You," a film by Rebecca Rizzio, featuring original score by Elska. Background photo shows Annie & Henry embracing.

“My whole life I dreamed about a single day…”

Recognition

Film Credits

Directed by: Rebecca Rizzio

Executive Producers: Annie Sterle and Rebecca Rizzio

Creative Executive Producer: Carly Lassegard

Original Music Written and Produced by:  Owen Sartori

Original Music Performed by: ELSKA

Cinematography: C.B. Jacobson and Andrés A. Parra

Editing: Andrés A. Parra

Sound Recording and Mix: Jack Lanners

Location Film Crew: C.B. Jacobson, Jack Lanners, Alex Gomez, Liana Hilgenkamp

Graphic Design: Liana Hilgenkamp

Wedding Footage Provided by: Snowshoe Productions

In Association with Twin Cities Film Fest Production Services

Music

  • "24 Days Without You serves as a vital educational tool for both the general public and the medical community. For the public, it sheds light on a rare but life-threatening condition that many may not be aware of, fostering greater understanding and empathy. For medical professionals, it reinforces the importance of vigilance, multidisciplinary collaboration, and compassionate care in managing obstetric emergencies and supporting affected families through the healing process in the months and years that follow."

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  • "This documentary is a powerful testament to the mother-child relationship. It is a crucial contribution to raising awareness about AFE and the broader need for comprehensive support systems for families navigating severe birth complications."

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  • "24 Days Without You offers a raw and deeply moving portrayal of a rare but devastating obstetric emergency—Amniotic Fluid Embolism—and its powerful consequences for both mother and child. The documentary poignantly captures the immense emotional toll that such a traumatic birth experience takes on a family and the entire medical community. Annie's journey of recovery, coupled with the agonizing separation from her newborn son Henry for 24 days, highlights the profound disruption and emotional burden that can follow severe obstetric complications. The film allows viewers to empathize deeply with the unique challenges faced by parents in these circumstances, including the delayed bonding experience between a mother and her child."

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  • "The documentary underscores the critical importance of the initial newborn period for development and connecting with caregivers. It implicitly raises awareness about the potential long-term impacts of such early adversity and the need for ongoing support for the mother as well as the entire family."

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