CLEVELAND — It's been a project of love, honor, and education, and now, the public has had its first look at a documentary three years in the making.
It all started back during the pandemic, when Austin Tucker noticed his then 98-year-old grandfather Howard sneaking out of the house to help patients at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center. Austin mentioned it to friend and filmmaker Taylor Taglianetti, who instantly thought they should capture Howard's behavior on film and do a movie short.
But Dr. Tucker's life was far too interesting and intriguing, and soon, they learned it deserved a feature-length film.
The documentary "What's Next?" made its debut Sunday at the Cleveland International Film Festival in Playhouse Square's KeyBank State Theatre. Dr. Tucker — in his trademark bow tie — showed up to pose for pictures, sign autographs, and answer questions after the film was shown.
The movie follows Dr. Tucker for three years, but chronicles a seven-decade career in medicine and the changing landscape of health care through his eyes. For Austin, the film became far more than a history lesson.
"I really got to learn so much about my grandfather during this process," Austin said. "I've had a great time bonding with him and spending time with him on set. It's just something I'll cherish for the rest of my life."
Taglianetti says the movie was finally finished a week before its debut, and Dr. Tucker left an indelible imprint on her life and philosophy of living.
"It's the most profound experience of my life," she told us. "There's no one like him, and I truly feel like I have the keys to knowing how to live a meaningful life thanks to him."
The film was initially self-funded, then a Kickstarter campaign helped finish the project. Support spread thanks to Dr. Tucker becoming a TikTok sensation, with millions of people following his videos.
Dr. Tucker will turn 102 in July. He's a neurologist, received a law degree in his 60s, social media sensation, bow tie fashionista, medical school professor, and now a movie star. He's been interviewed by media from around the world, and still doesn't see any of it as a big deal. But he was excited to see the movie.
"I'm really overwhelmed and bewildered, at the same time, because I don't think I've done anything but enjoy myself and my life that's been wonderful," he said. "It's been fun."
The film will be available as part of the CIFF Streams program, where people can watch it from April 14-21. The website to buy stream access is clevelandfilm.org/films/whats-next under the CIFF Streams module. It will also appear at the Miami Film Festival at the O Cinema in South Beach on April 13 at noon.