This documentary, focusing on the journalist’s battle with Alzheimer’s, takes an unexpected turn. As he learns of an unreported mining disaster, he embarks on a quest for the truth. The film presents a dignified narrative of a brave and compassionate individual.
‘Jon Snow: A Last Big Story’ serves as a valedictory that eschews sadness. This hour-long documentary chronicles the journey of the 78-year-old investigative journalist and former Channel 4 news anchor following his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease. During a visit with his wife, Dr. Precious Lunga, to family in Zambia, he becomes aware of an environmental catastrophe involving a Chinese mining company that has received little to no media attention. The documentary then expands its scope, revealing the man both in his professional element and grappling with a condition that, for the estimated 850,000 Alzheimer’s sufferers in the UK alone, along with their caregivers, families, and loved ones, is known to be an unyielding and progressively debilitating affliction.
Early in the film, Snow expresses curiosity and no distress about the presence of the camera crew. When his interviewer, Laura, explains they are making a film about his career and who he is now, Snow exclaims with delight, “Lumme! How nice!” Later, while traveling together, he politely asks, “I’ve forgotten your name already…?” Upon being reminded it’s Laura, he replies, “Lovely,” and then introduces himself, “I’m Jon.”
English Translation:
This documentary about the journalist’s Alzheimer’s soon takes a turn, as he hears of an unreported mining disaster and goes on the hunt for truth. It’s a dignified tale of a courageous, compassionate man.
‘Jon Snow: A Last Big Story’ is a valediction that forbids mourning. The hour-long documentary follows the 78-year-old investigative journalist and former Channel 4 news anchor in the wake of his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease. During the course of one of his visits with his wife, Dr Precious Lunga, to family in Zambia, he gets wind of a story about a nearby environmental catastrophe involving a Chinese mining company that has gone virtually unreported. And so the documentary opens outwards and we see the man in his element as well as in the grip of what 850,000 Alzheimer’s sufferers in the UK alone, to say nothing of their carers, families and other loved ones, know to be an unforgiving, relentlessly worsening condition. Early on, Snow asks with interest and no disquiet what the people with cameras around him are doing. “We’re making a film about your career,” his interviewer, Laura, explains. “And who you are now.” “Lumme!” says Snow, the son of a bishop. “How nice!” As they travel in a car together a little later, he leans forward and says politely: “I’ve forgotten your name already … ?” “Laura,” she tells him. “Lovely,” he says, sitting back. “I’m Jon.”