Transformative Film | Wail Of A Tale

Cutting Costs

white icon of scalpel tilted at angle as though it is a slash punctuation

Cutting Lives

The Human Cost of Policy Decisions

various denominations of U.S. cash paper money spread as background

Cutting Custs/Cutting Lives

A New Chapter in the Fight for Health Justice

What happens when a government abandons its duty to protect the public’s health? Cutting Costs / Cutting Lives takes viewers inside the human cost of the recent administration’s devastating reductions to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In this urgent new documentary, we shine a light on the lives disrupted, and in many cases, endangered, by the deliberate dismantling of public health protections. Through powerful, first-person interviews, we hear from patients, caregivers, whistleblowers, and former public servants who reveal what was lost when science was sidelined and safety net systems were stripped bare.

This is not just a story of policy failure, it’s a story of survival, resistance, and the urgent need to rebuild. Cutting Costs / Cutting Lives is a call to accountability and a tribute to those left behind by a system in retreat.

Stay tuned. These stories demand to be heard.

Michael Olesen

Ubaka Ogbogu

Jesse Gilpatrick

We are still collecting powerful first-person accounts that reveal what happens when cost-cutting replaces care, and when policy decisions have real human consequences. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, healthcare worker, public servant, or advocate — your story matters. These interviews will be featured across our digital platforms to amplify truth, promote accountability, and inform the broader conversation on public health ethics and equity.

If your life or work has been impacted by government failures in health protection, we want to hear from you. Please reach out to us at info@wailofatale.org, or any of our social media contacts here.

Spring 2025

Change Maker

Series

Voices of Change

Amidst the long COVID crisis, changemakers are pushing for better care, research, and policies for those most affected. They advocate for inclusive solutions that address systemic disparities and ensure no one is overlooked. Their efforts are reshaping not just healthcare, but other structurally broken institutions, recognizing that long COVID is a public health crisis that impacts everyone. By highlighting the changemakers who are actively building more just, resilient, and compassionate systems, we amplify models of care that work, promote solidarity across disciplines and geographies, and support a culture of courageous, community-rooted leadership.

Peter Cantone

Adam Van Bavel

Plum Stone

Chantal (Pfenniger) Britt

Lisa Greenfield

Kevin Kavanagh

Commercial Media

Wail of a Tale Productions creates commercial media, including Public Service Announcements (PSAs), designed to spark conversation and ignite curiosity. Our educational commercials tackle critical social issues, raising awareness and galvanizing action.

The Risks of Reinfection

Life expectancy is going down. Discover why here.

Transformative Storytelling

Our founder, Marty Pack has been a catalyst for change, particularly in the realm of policy. Through her independent producer role, Marty has created impactful documentaries, such as Maria’s Story: Undocumented Violence, which have ignited essential conversations around immigration, domestic violence, and the intersections of policy with marginalized communities. In addition, her film The Takeover of Testing critically examines the impact of standardized testing on education policies and their disproportionate effect on students in underserved areas. These films have educated lawmakers, organizations, and the public, influencing policy changes and amplifying the voices of those often left unheard.

The Takeover of Testing

This film was the first to look at the systemic problems with the testing movement. It explored the racism and subsequent siphoning of public school funds for personal gain. True to the investigation, we can look back and see the damage caused by this movement.

This piece was used to educate the Chicago Teachers Union on the testing movement and how it has been used to close public schools.

Maria’s Story, Undocumented Violence

Maria’s Story, Undocumented Violence, looks at an undocumented woman surviving an abusive marriage, gaining legal status, and achieving the American dream. It was used to educate social work students and the public at Governor State University. The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Domestic Violence Outreach program now uses the film to inspire the undocumented community to get help.

Archdiocese of Chicago DV Outreach

The Center on Domestic Violence 20th Anniversary

Through collaboration with the award-winning editor, Tyler Holme, we produced a short segment that highlights the work the Center has done through the people it has helped. This was used for their 20th Anniversary, Champions for Change: Many Stars – One Universe Gala.