The screening of ‘Magnolia’s Hope - Movie for Rett Syndrome Research Trust’ tomorrow (Tuesday June 22) at Cinema Paradiso will raise awareness for the Rett Syndrome Research Trust (RSRT).

Rett Syndrome, which affects approximately only 50 children across New Zealand, alters neurons in the brain leading to physical disability that can mirror symptoms of a neurodegenerative disease.

Three and a half year old Zoe, who lives in Wanaka, has Rett. She has lost the use of her hands and is unable to speak.

Zoe’s mother Adele Eyers organised the screening after getting the movie shipped over from America.

The film was made by A.J. Tesler, an award-winning American film and television producer and director whose daughter, Magnolia, suffers from the disease.

After Magnolia was diagnosed, A.J. and Jenny Tesler promised her they would do everything they could to find a cure and help her live the best life she could.

“The aim of the documentary is to share with others our experience and the search for a cure,” the couple said.

“We put our time, money and hearts into making the documentary. It was hard but we knew it was worth it. It is a story worth telling and the hope is it would have an impact on audiences, future donors, and provide some solace for like minded families.”

Huge progress has been made in the area of genetics and Rett Syndrome may now be a potentially curable disease. Two years ago two professors of Genetics were joint winners of the "Brain Prize" – the world’s most prestigious prize in neuroscience for their ground-breaking research on Rett Syndrome.

They found that Rett Syndrome in humans will be curable and their research has stimulated an international search for therapies.

‘Magnolia’s Hope’ will screen at Paradiso Cinema on Tuesday June 22 at 7pm. Tickets are $20 and the funds from the film will go to RSRT.