LOCAL

Short film to be shot in York focuses on Type 1 diabetes

Emily Yinger

York Dispatch

Rick Hansberry will produce and direct a short film, "It's Not Permanent."
The film will be shot in July in various locations throughout York County.

Type 1 diabetes is gaining cinematic perspective this summer through the production of Rick Hansberry’s short film, “It’s Not Permanent."

The film will be shot over a three-day period beginning July 18. Several York County locations will be featured in the production, including the White Rose Bar and Grill and the West Side tattoo parlor.

Type 1 diabetes develops most often in young people, though Type 1 diabetes can also develop in adults. In Type 1 diabetes, one's body no longer makes insulin or enough insulin because the body’s immune system has attacked and destroyed the cells that make insulin. Type 2 diabetes can affect people at any age, including children. However, Type 2 diabetes develops most often in adults. People who are overweight and inactive are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.

Hansberry, a screenwriter from Lancaster County, has created 15 short films during his career. Among his cinematic successes, “Branches” remains the film that Hansberry says has received the most notoriety.

Hansberry said he likes to take on stories that have an effect on people.

“I’m always trying to touch an audience to inspire, think and feel moved. I enjoy creating messages that will relate to others long after I’m gone,” he said.

The plot for “It’s Not Permanent” is based on the true story of Corrine Sharnetzka, of Fawn Grove, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 8 years old. Corrine, now 13, and Hansberry are longtime family friends, and her hopeful attitude about the possibility of a cure became Hansberry’s inspiration for the feature film.

“I was really excited when I found out about the movie being made but also a bit nervous because I’ve never been in a movie before,” Corrine said. “Overall, it’s a good experience.”

Despite the difficulties of her illness, which requires daily shots and finger pricks to test blood levels, Corrine remains active playing soccer. She will play a role in Hansberry’s film alongside eight other cast members.

A table reading, which is essentially a read-through of a movie script with the cast, for Hansberry’s feature was held June 27 at CGA Professional Center to allow the cast to meet and figure out production logistics.

Lancaster filmmaker Rick Hansberry will film a short feature in York during July.

Robert Mott of York College will serve as producer and director of photography for the film. Lancaster-native singer-songwriter Ashley Kauffman will give the film a soundtrack with her newest song, “Don’t Lose Yourself.”

The production of the film is a collaborative effort between producer and director Hansberry and Be a Giver, a local nonprofit organization that promotes public awareness about Type 1 diabetes.

The film is intended to inform the public about Type 1 diabetes and is expected to compete in future film festivals. Once the film has gone through the production stage, it will be available to the public on DVD.