David' Downs' cancer story is a powerful journey of survival, advocacy, and hope. A well-known New Zealand comedian, businessman, and campaigner, David was diagnosed in 2017 with an aggressive form of blood cancer and given just months to live.
He then gained access to a trial of pioneering CAR T-cell therapy in Boston, USA. Within weeks, he went into remission, and was ultimately given the all-clear from cancer. David now supports others with terminal cancer, and raises funds for CAR T-cell therapy in New Zealand.
Better's Irene Chapple directed a short film on David then co-produced a feature film, called A Mild Touch Of Cancer, with director Annie Goldson.
The feature follows David's journey from diagnosis, through experimental therapy, to recovery, while also profiling other New Zealanders undergoing CAR T-cell treatment. By blending intimate personal stories with complex scientific explanations, the film transforms technical medical material into compelling, human-centred storytelling.
A Mild Touch of Cancer received widespread recognition. It won Best Editing –Documentary/Factual at the New Zealand Television Awards and was shortlisted for Best Documentary.
Following its national success and showings at the NZ International Film Festival, the documentary was distributed internationally, bringing David's story and the experiences of other patients to a global audience.
