Philadelphia, Pa. – Laurel Chiten was involved in a car accident at age 17 and was diagnosed with Dystonia, a neurological disorder that forces a person’s muscles to twist into abnormal, often painful, movements or postures. Chiten, a filmmaker, created a documentary, “Twisted,” that tells the story of people who live with Dystonia. A special screening and discussion will take place 7 p.m., Thursday, December 14, at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, located at 1513 Race Street.

In “Twisted,” the agonies and challenges of Dystonia are revealed to a broad film-viewing audience for the first time. Chiten narrates the film, weaving the stories of three Dystonia sufferers as they seek treatment, reckon with their disease, and ponder weighty decisions. Together, these individuals try to answer the question: When you are trapped inside your body, what will set you free?

Following the screening, a panel and Q&A will take place. Audience members will meet Pat Brogan, who is featured in the documentary. Brogan, an up and coming basketball coach and triathlete, developed Dystonia from a hit and run collision and is gambling on a drastic new treatment. Dr Tsao Wei Liang, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology at The Movement Disorders Center at Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, will also be present to share his medical expertise about Dystonia.

“Twisted” will be nationally broadcast on PBS's series “Independent Lens” on January 30 at 10 p.m.