Private Project

Hear Me Now

"There was a time I couldn’t even speak... I never thought I would have a ‘normal’ life."
– Kristina Denney
Kristina Denney is living proof that resilience can overcome even the toughest challenges. A neuromuscular disease warrior, mother, wife, and advocate, Kristina has faced immense obstacles—but she refuses to be silenced. In this inspiring short documentary, Hear Me Now, directed by Samantha McDanel, she opens up about her journey, the power of plasma exchange (PLEX) therapy, and how she built a fulfilling life—navigating marriage, motherhood, and a thriving career.
This film is more than a story—it’s a testament to strength, perseverance, and the importance of raising awareness for those fighting MG every day.

  • Samantha N McDanel
    Director
  • Cameron Kit
    Producer
    Prisms of Experience, Hear Me Now, Write Your Own Story
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    drama, medical
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 38 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 5, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Samantha N McDanel

Samantha McDanel is a creative force who's tackled just about every role in film production—and probably enjoyed every minute of it. From directing and producing to makeup and script supervising, she brings storytelling expertise to features, documentaries, reality TV, and beyond.
When she's not behind the camera, you'll find her doing improv, which explains her knack for keeping sets fun and rolling with the punches. McDanel's superpower? Building great stories while creating the kind of work environment where everyone wants to show up. She's got solutions because she's been there, but she's even more excited to learn from the brilliant people around her.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This film is my offering to the MG community and to anyone who’s ever felt unheard. Kristina’s voice—steady, strong, and clear—deserves to echo far beyond our frames. My hope is that her story brings awareness, but more than that, brings light.

When I first met Kristina Denney, I saw more than a subject—I saw a story that needed to be heard. As a fellow DFW local, I immediately felt a sense of shared ground, but it was Kristina’s spirit—resilient, radiant, and deeply real—that drew me in.