What this film is all about

Logline: Jan’s Leaving the Planet is a bold, funny, and deeply moving short doc about Medical Aid in Dying, love, grief, and the radical act of choosing your own exit.

Synopsis: Jan is not your average heroine. Living in Seattle with a terminal illness, she decides she’s going out on her own terms— with Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) on her chosen day surrounded by a circle of friends and loved ones. Having access to this life-hastening medication allows Jan to choose when she’s done before her cancer is done with her.

But the unexpected death of her wife just weeks ago has thrown Jan for the biggest loop of her life. Now, Jan must find a way forward— facing her imminent death while coping with immense grief, and doing it the Jan way: boldly, brashly, and with a glass of champagne to toast her final goodbye.

This film isn’t just about Jan. It’s about the seismic cultural shift she represents: choosing how, when, and with what rituals we leave this planet. It’s about education, dignity, and the fight to expand Medical Aid in Dying to all.

A man operating a camera and filming two elderly women sitting on a park bench, holding hands and smiling, surrounded by green foliage.

Jan and her college friend Genia chat in Lincoln Park, with cameraman Tom. 8/25

We filmed with Jan over 4 days in August and September, including her final day on earth.

Now, we are beginning the post-production process as of October 2025.