Documentary On Holmdel Toddler Who Suddenly Died To Have VA Film Premiere

HOLMDEL, NJ — An award-winning documentary about a Holmdel toddler who suddenly passed away in 2017 will have its Virginia premiere on Saturday.

On Saturday at 11 a.m., “VIENNA: Suddenly An Angel” will premiere at the Indie Short Film Festival in Charlottesville, VA.

The film follows Dr. Denise Wunderler and her husband, Dr. Michael Savino, after the sudden and unexplained death of their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Vienna Carly Savino.

Vienna’s passing was categorized as Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) — a poorly understood category of death that affects seemingly healthy children from 1 to 18 years old.

In 2017, Vienna fell asleep watching TV at home and never woke up. More than eight years later, there is still no cause of death.

• Related: Holmdel Toddler’s Unexplained Death Now Studied In Med School

Determined to find answers and increase awareness, Dr. Wunderler founded Team Vienna 4 SUDC Awareness, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit devoted to advocacy, education, research, and honoring Vienna’s legacy.

Their story unfolds through intimate footage, emotional interviews, and medical insights — from their home to leading scientists at Boston Children’s Hospital.

“We didn’t want Vienna’s story to end with her death,” said Dr. Wunderler, who is a first-time producer of the film. “We wanted her life to ignite change, to bring awareness to SUDC, and to help other families avoid the pain we now carry every day.”

Directed by Marko Albrecht, “VIENNA: Suddenly an Angel “captures the spirit of a community rallying around the Wunderler/Savino’s and a family choosing to transform loss into purpose.

The film won the highly-regarded Audience Award for Best Short Documentary at the Long Island International Film Expo (New York) and at the New Hope Film Festival (Pennsylvania), and won Best Homegrown Short Documentary at the Garden State Film Festival (New Jersey).

The documentary was also an official selection of the Chelsea Film Festival for its New York City premiere and continues its festival run across the U.S.

On Saturday, the documentary will be shown at the Indie Short Film Festival at 11 a.m.

The screening is located at Vinegar Hill Theatre (220 West Market Street, Charlottesville). Tickets can be purchased here.

To learn more about Vienna’s story, or Team Vienna 4 SUDC Awareness, you can visit their website.

Previous Coverage

• Film On Holmdel Toddler Who Suddenly Died To Premiere At Chelsea Film Festival
• Film On Holmdel Toddler Who Suddenly Passed Away To Premiere At PA Film Festival
• 'A Powerful Mission': Film On Holmdel Toddler Who Died To Premiere At NY Film Expo
• Grief To Action: Film On Holmdel Girl Who Died To Premiere At Garden State Film Festival
• Bell Works Tower To Turn Pink In Honor Of Holmdel Toddler Who Died
• Holmdel Toddler’s Unexplained Death Now Studied In Med School
• Holmdel Family Raises Awareness Of SUDC After Toddler Girl Dies