Five Feet ApartFive Feet Apart

The Hope College Knickerbocker Theatre will show “Five Feet Apart” on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m. as a fundraiser for the Michigan Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

In the film, 17-year-old Stella spends most of her time in the hospital as a cystic fibrosis patient. Her life is full of routines, boundaries and self-control, all of which get put to the test when she meets Will, an impossibly charming teen who has the same illness. Although Stella and Will have an instant connection, restrictions dictate that they must maintain a safe distance between them. As their connection intensifies, so does the temptation to break the rules and embrace their attraction.

Before the film begins, Brenna Digison, a Hope College employee who is living with cystic fibrosis, will speak about her experience. Digison was diagnosed as a young child and now lives a full life, including as part of a roller derby team, while living with the disease.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation explains on its website that cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that is inherited through both parents.  The disease, the foundation notes, affects the lungs, pancreas and other organs, causing the mucus in the organs to become thick and sticky.  As the foundation describes, “In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps germs, like bacteria, leading to infections, inflammation, respiratory failure, and other complications. For this reason, minimizing contact with germs is a top concern for people with CF.”

In order to protect audience members who have cystic fibrosis, all those attending who have the condition are asked to wear purple to identify that they are in the fight.  Those with cystic fibrosis are also asked to wear a medical -grade mask, bring sanitizer wipes and hand sanitizer, wear gloves and, if carrying contagious viruses or bacteria, to please watch the movie at a later date.

All Hope ticket proceeds will benefit the Michigan Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  Tickets are $7 for regular admission, and $6 for senior citizens, Hope College faculty and children, and will be sold at the door.

The Knickerbocker Theatre is located in downtown Holland at 86 E. Eighth St., between College and Columbia avenues.