On September 8, join us for a special screening of 65_RedRoses in support of the Transplant Research Foundation of BC.

Eva Markvoort was only 25 years old when she lost her life after a battle with cystic fibrosis.

But in her short time with us, she left behind a legacy that has bolstered transplant research and care, advanced awareness of cystic fibrosis, and ultimately helped save countless more lives.

Her journey was documented through the film 65_RedRoses; a personal, first-hand look inside the life and mind of Eva as she waits for a double lung transplant from VGH’s Dr. John Yee. 

“Eva knew she was living on borrowed time,” says Director Philip Lyall. “So she expanded time. Every day was a week to her. She had such a wise and mature outlook, and made mefeel like I want to live life to the fullest.”

Director Philip Lyall met Eva as a theatre student when they were both attending the University of Victoria.

He would later attend film school at UBC where he met fellow Director/Producer Nimisha Mukerji. The two who would go on to lead the creation of this film, following Eva as she awaits her surgery.

Ultimately, Eva would receive a double lung transplant at VGH which performs 50% of all organ transplants in the province, and is the only hospital capable of lung transplants.

After the film’s release in 2009, BC Transplant credited it to helping triple organ donation rates in the province. It premiered at the Vancouver International Film Festival where it won 3 awards, including the Audience Award for Most Popular Canadian Film. It went on to be premiered and featured in Oprah’s Documentary Club.

“We were so young when we dove in to this,” says Philip. “We were 24, 25 years old, and looking back, we didn’t really take in how big it was…until we met Oprah. But now the movie has inspired so many people, still to this day, and is still being shown across the world. I wish Eva could have seen this.

A special anniversary screening of the film marks 10 years since 65_RedRoses premiered to audiences. The film will be played at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre on Sunday, September 8 at 7 PM. In addition to the screening, guests will be treated to a special musical performance and inspirational speakers.

Tickets are available now at www.65redroses.com with all money raised going to the Transplant Research Foundation of BC, a partner of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.

Eva Markvoort, photos taken at the time of filming.