Grief To Action: Film On Holmdel Girl Who Died To Premiere At Garden State Film Festival

HOLMDEL, NJ — Vienna Carly Savino was a healthy toddler just shy of three years old when she passed away after falling asleep in her Holmdel home in 2017.

Following her death, Vienna’s parents (Sports Medicine Physician Dr. Denise Wunderler and Emergency Medicine Physician and Iraq Army Veteran Dr. Mike Savino) were confronted with the mystery of her passing and Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC), an unknown condition with no immediate explanation.

While most physicians have heard of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), many have never heard of SUDC – which is considered to be SIDS Part II. The syndrome applies to those ages 1-18, and there are no causes or preventative measures known for the condition.

Following her death, genetic studies (conducted as part of research studies) did not reveal a cause of death for Vienna.

Now, the family has come together to create the documentary, “VIENNA: Suddenly An Angel” which follows the journey of Vienna’s family from grief to action, and will premiere at the Garden State Film Festival in March.

Exploring the family’s collaboration with the Boston Children’s Hospital’s Robert’s Program (a leading initiative in SUDC research) and their efforts through the nonprofit Team Vienna 4 SUDC Awareness, the film aims to support work and advocacy for increased SUDC awareness and education.

Set against the backdrop of the family’s NJ community, the documentary captures how the support and solidarity of their local environment played a crucial role in their healing process.

Through personal interviews and community reflections, it also aims to reveal the intersection of personal loss, scientific research and discovery, and communal support — offering a message of hope and resilience with the goal of ultimately uncovering answers.

Philanthropist Carol Stillwell serves as one of the executive producers on the film, alongside Wunderler, Savino, and Vienna’s grandparents – Vietnam Air Force Veteran Carl and Hilda Wunderler, who have helped support the film in various ways.

“We are so thankful for the very generous support and caring heart of Carol Stillwell and Stillwell-Hansen in making my dream of creating an impactful film, a reality,” Wunderler said.

Wunderler spearheaded the idea of making a documentary over five years ago when a reporter asked her about future goals for Team Vienna 4 SUDC Awareness.

A few years later, during a Vienna’s Day of International SUDC Awareness Walk at Cross Farm Park, Savino met producer, writer and director Marko Albrecht and introduced Wunderler to him.

Since then, Albrecht has invited photographer and cinematographer Alexander Berg and editor Corey O’Neill to join them and musician Ray Andersen in creating an award-winning film team out of NJ and NYC.

Now, “VIENNA: Suddenly An Angel” is set to premiere at the Garden State Film Festival on Saturday, March 29 from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Asbury Hall.

After hearing about the film festival over the years, Wunderler said she knew it would be the first film festival that Vienna’s film would be submitted to for its first public screening.

After inquiring about placing an ad in the 2024 program and an unexpected phone call in 2023, film industry veteran and Garden State Film Festival Co-Founder Diane Raver invited Wunderler to be a host at the film festival in 2024.

Despite not knowing the duties of being a host at the time and not previously attending a film festival, Wunderler immediately said yes.

“I was over the moon with excitement when she asked me to host, and even though I didn’t really know what it meant, I knew it was special,” Wunderler said. “After seeing the host script, I couldn’t believe that I would be the one welcoming filmgoers to the GSFF at one of the film blocks!”

Wunderler was not only invited to host at the festival, but Raver encouraged her to take a moment and speak about Vienna as well.

The experience has now come full circle, as Wunderler has gone from hosting at the Garden State Film Festival to premiering “VIENNA: Suddenly An Angel” there.

“It was truly a touching gesture, and an experience I will never forget,” Wunderler said. “And now that Vienna’s film is an official selection, I do feel a part of their film family.”

As the family prepares for the premiere of Vienna’s film, Wunderler said she hopes it inspires more research and funding for SUDC, so all families can one day get answers.

“Vienna’s film is a true labor of love that I hope will inspire questions and discussion of this unknown medical topic and let other child loss families know that they are not alone,” Wunderler said. “I also hope that the film inspires more SUDC research and funding so all families will one day get answers.”

“This special film is dedicated to all SUDC kids and their families. Our kids will never be forgotten,” Wunderler continued. “We are living this life-long silent struggle that must be brought to light, so one day we will know why our precious children were not given an opportunity to live a full life. And maybe one day, there will be no SUDC.”

To learn more about Team Vienna and the Robert’s Program, you can visit the Team Vienna 4 SUDC Awareness website.

To learn more about or purchase tickets for the Garden State Film Festival, you can click here.

The film premiere will take place at Asbury Hall inside the Asbury Hotel in Asbury Park.

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