Twitch Documentary is a groundbreaking independent documentary project that explores the emotional, medical, social, and ethical realities of predictive genetic testing for Huntington’s Disease (HD). The film is recognized as the first documentary to closely follow an individual through the process of deciding to undergo—and live with the results of—genetic testing for this fatal neurological disorder.
At its core, Twitch is a deeply personal and socially urgent work that humanizes complex genetic science while challenging the stigma surrounding Huntington’s Disease. The documentary is designed for a general adult audience and aims to spark public dialogue about genetic testing, personal choice, and the future of neurological research.
The origins of Twitch Documentary are rooted in the life of its central subject, Kristen Powers. Kristen’s connection to Huntington’s Disease began in 2003, when her mother was diagnosed with HD. At only nine years old, Kristen learned that she carried a 50% genetic risk of inheriting the same disease.
Rather than allowing fear to define her future, Kristen made a conscious decision to live proactively and purposefully. This resolve would later become the emotional foundation of Twitch, shaping its focus on resilience, agency, and the psychological burden of living under genetic uncertainty.
In the United States, individuals may not legally undergo predictive genetic testing for Huntington’s Disease until the age of 18. Upon reaching this milestone, Kristen chose to document her experience as she confronted one of the most consequential decisions of her life: whether to learn her genetic fate.
The documentary follows this journey in real time, capturing the tension, fear, hope, and ethical complexity surrounding genetic knowledge—particularly in the absence of a cure. The film also reflects on loss, as Kristen’s mother ultimately succumbed to Huntington’s Disease in January 2011.
Before the creation of Twitch, Kristen Powers had already gained national recognition for her leadership and activism. She founded the Chapel Hill High School Green Tiger Campaign and Garden, an environmental initiative that received widespread acclaim.
The project was recognized by Parade Magazine, Family Circle Magazine, the White House, Vice President Joe Biden, and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, and was even referenced humorously by comedian Stephen Colbert. These achievements underscore Kristen’s long-standing commitment to creating positive change despite personal adversity.
Twitch Documentary examines Huntington’s Disease, a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that progressively impairs movement, cognition, and speech, ultimately leading to premature death. The film places particular emphasis on predictive genetic testing, a process that can definitively determine whether an individual will develop the disease.
The documentary features interviews with leading Huntington’s Disease researchers, clinicians, and activists. Through these expert voices, Twitch explains complex genetic and neurological science in a clear, accessible manner, making the subject understandable to viewers without a medical background.
The film also explores how research into Huntington’s Disease may contribute to breakthroughs in other neurodegenerative illnesses, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and ALS.
Key themes of Twitch include genetic destiny versus personal choice, the psychological weight of medical knowledge, the stigma associated with inherited disease, and the pressures faced by young adults when confronted with life-altering information.
By focusing on one individual’s experience, the documentary offers an intimate perspective on issues that are increasingly relevant in the age of advanced genetic testing.
Twitch marks Kristen Powers’ debut documentary project and serves as the foundation for broader advocacy and awareness efforts surrounding genetic diseases.
The long-term vision of Twitch Documentary extends beyond a single film. The project aims to inspire a national and international conversation about genetic testing, medical ethics, and the urgent need for research funding and cures for Huntington’s Disease and related neurological disorders.
Through screenings, discussions, and educational outreach, Twitch seeks to empower individuals and families facing genetic risk, while fostering greater public understanding of the human impact of genetic science.
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