Jazz Saved My Life:

A story of art and healing

A Film by Justin Freed

The full 44 minute, Jazz Saved My Life. A Story of Art and Healing boy Justin Freed.

About the film – Jazz Saved My Life

A deeply personal story of healing from family trauma told from the perspective of an 85 year-old man.
This innovative film utilizes jazz and nature photography, animation, music and includes testimonies from musicians Maria Schneider and Donal Fox about the the power and necessity of art in their lives.

About the filmmaker – Justin Freed

At 86, Boston native Justin Freed continues to explore the interconnection of art and healing. He is a photographer and videographer, group facilitator and teacher of jazz appreciation. He was a jazz DJ at WMBR, Cambridge in the 1970s. As a multimedia artist at Galatea Fine Art, Boston, his experiential installations were about the sacredness of water and trees. His film, Jazz Saved My Life, completes that trilogy in a personal story of healing.

He is the former owner and programmer of the Coolidge Corner Theatre, known for his inventive programs. At the same time he has been a group facilitator for a variety of healing organizations including the Opening the Heart workshop and the Age-ing to Sage-ing organization. He also worked with groups of men in prison who wished to grow spiritually. His installations at Galatea Fine Art led to his becoming an artist in residence at the Mass General Hospital’s Cancer wing.

Film Program

Program From the Concert Event Film Premiere

Press and Reviews

Reviews and Critical Praise

2023 Award Winner

2023 Winner Best US Documentary

2023 Exceptional Merit Award