The Intern's Lot: 'Caris' Peace' at AFS Doc Nights

By Josiane Amezcua

"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength." -- Author Unknown

After coming across this quote a few years back, it stayed with me and immediately came to mind when I saw the trailer for Caris' Peace, a documentary about courage and overcoming struggles. The quote reflected to me what the documentary was going to be about, so I knew it would be meaningful and one worth seeing. With anticipation, I took the opportunity to attend a screening of the film at the South Lamar Alamo Drafthouse as part of the Austin Film Society Doc Nights series. It was then that I was introduced to Caris Corfman, a talented stage and film actress.

From the mid 1970s to early 1990s, Corfman was a star and earned recognition in several Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. She also shared her talent onscreen, making notable appearances in television and film.

Throughout Caris' Peace, images of her past performances graced the screen, providing viewers with an insight into her career. Interviews were also featured with fellow classmates and actors discussing her with admiration. I had not seen any of Corfman's work before, but all these clips gave me the chance to see the talent that was talked about by others. Her passion for acting was clear to me, and I understood why she was viewed as a star by many.

The focus of the documentary, however, was not on Corfman's successful acting career, but on her struggles to get it back. In the early 1990s, Corfman discovered she had a brain tumor. While doctors were able to remove it, Corfman's short-term memory was also removed, leaving her unable to retain new information. She could not remember what she did a day before or a conversation she had minutes earlier, so learning and remembering her lines became something she could no longer do. For that reason, her career as an actress was over.

Caris' Peace followed Corfman and the daily challenges she faced as a result of her condition. It was heartbreaking to see what she endured and the steps she had to take to get by each day. The film definitely gave me moments where I wanted to cry. However, if there's one thing I learned about the struggles in your life, it's that you have to face them. I think Corfman knew that, which drove her desire to return to acting.

The documentary then shifted to her making a return to the acting world. With the help of friends, she worked on creating a show. For material, Corfman turned to her journal and monologues she had memorized early in her career. To remember it, Corfman used note cards. While she faced difficulties when rehearsing her performances, you still had a sense of confidence that she would be able to it. She was an actress and still had the talent to deliver, which she did in the end.

Corfman made her return to the stage and performed her one-woman show successfully in New York. Using her note cards, she gave a beautiful performance that was honest and inspiring. As I saw parts of her show, it took me back to earlier clips of her acting career. The talent and passion was still there.

After the film, a short Q&A with the filmmaker of the documentary, Gaylen Ross, took place. Several of the questions from the audience were on Corfman's condition and how she dealt with it. Ross discussed openly the depression that Corfman went through and how she saw her want to participate in life again when they started the project.

Due to the next scheduled movie, it was time for the audience to leave the theater. However, no one was ready to stop talking about Corfman. So, everyone gathered outside the theater in a circle and continued the discussion with Ross. I joined it briefly before leaving and was really content to hear that so many people enjoyed Caris' Peace and took something away from it, like I did.

I did find out at the end of the film that Corfman passed away a few years ago. Her inspiration though still lives on. I don't think I've ever heard a story like this before, and I'm amazed at what this person was able to accomplish with the obstacles she was given. She showed what true strength was until the very end.

Josiane Amezcua is an Intern at the Austin Film Society.