Widow's Voice

CAMP WIDOW the Documentary: “A love letter to resilience.”

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This Monday presents the Awareness Observance of International Widow’s Day and also most fittingly the national debut of the documentary, CAMP WIDOW. I reached out to Michele Neff Hernandez, the CEO of Soaring Spirits International and the creator of the Camp Widow program to learn more about this groundbreaking project that followed a long and winding production path to eventual completion, a testament in and of itself to resilience and adapting to circumstances. I was fortunate to have attended Camp Widow in 2023 as an attendee and presenter and was honored to meet Michele, her staff, other volunteers and some of the widowed “campers” featured in the documentary. Congratulations to everyone on a successful and impactful effort. Below, Michele discusses the making of CAMP WIDOW.

How did this documentary come about?

In the summer of 2019, I was approached by award-winning documentarians Laura Green and Anna Moot-Levin of Stray Pony Productions. They were searching for stories that reflected powerful intergenerational connections and came across Camp Widow. 

After filming a short test piece at Camp Widow Toronto in November 2019, they were deeply moved by the depth, resilience, and connection of the community and knew this was the story they wanted to tell.

In March 2020, they secured funding from ITVS, a partner of PBS, and prepared to film in Tampa, Florida. But the COVID-19 pandemic had other plans. The program shifted online, and filming was postponed again and again—eight times in total—as both the SSI and film teams prioritized the safety and emotional well-being of attendees.

At last, in July 2022, cameras rolled at Camp Widow San Diego, our largest in-person event. With care and sensitivity, the team secured filming consent from over 450 attendees, ensuring that every person felt respected and protected. Creating a safe space for this vulnerable and life-affirming program remained our highest priority.

The resulting film is a testament to the courage of the widowed people who opened their hearts, shared their stories, and allowed their experiences to be witnessed. Their bravery offers a rare and intimate glimpse into what it means to rebuild life after the death of a spouse or partner—and how connection, understanding, and community can make all the difference.

Throughout the filmmaking process, Laura and Anna became part of the story in their own way—welcoming new babies, mourning the deaths of loved ones, and even walking beside a parent through the journey of widowhood. Their commitment to telling this story with honesty and compassion is woven into every frame.

Camp Widow has since been featured in nine U.S. film festivals and internationally in Italy, Canada, and Australia.

This film is more than a documentary—it’s a love letter to resilience, to community, and to the widowed people who remind us all that hope can be found even in the darkest places.’

How involved were you in the editing of the final presentation?

I was able to provide feedback after the first cut of the film. One specific change I requested was to revise the language used by a cast member when describing a suicide death. They originally said “committed suicide,” and I asked that it be changed to “died by suicide” or “died of suicide.” At Soaring Spirits, we work intentionally to shift this language in order to reduce stigma for suicide survivors, as the word “committed” can imply criminality. The filmmakers were very receptive, and the change was made.

How and when can we all watch it?

The film will stream on PBS via a YouTube link that goes live on Monday, June 23rd at 12:00 PM ET. We chose this date intentionally, as it’s International Widow’s Day. It’s a meaningful opportunity to amplify the voices of widowed people and share their experiences with a broader audience.

Do you think there might be a sequel? Should there be?

I doubt there will be a sequel, as the format of the film doesn’t naturally lend itself to continuing the story. That said, I’ve been continually surprised by the way this film has been received—so truly, anything is possible.

I thank Michele for sharing her insight on the making of CAMP WIDOW and I know it will be an emotional and moving experience for all who watch.

My Name Tag from Camp Widow San Diego 2023. Like a bookmark in time.

About Lisa Begin-Kruysman

Originally from New Jersey, artist/writer/blogger Lisa Begin-Kruysman now calls Southeast Georgia and Florida home. It was during a road trip in October 2021, when she and her husband Rich, who served militarily as a Navy Corpsman, were returning south after celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary, that he became ill, passing just three weeks later. The author of several books, including Dog's Best Friend (McFarland & Co. 2014) mostly inspired by the special human-canine bond, Lisa serves on the Board of Directors for the Dog Writers Association of America and now returns to blogging posting for Widow's Voice with the intention of sharing her personal experience of widowhood with those who know the struggles first-hand and to perhaps help those who struggle to understand the daily challenges facing those who've lost a spouse or significant other. She is currently writing a memoir about her Widowed Experience and the comfort she has derived from her relationship with dogs.