A Norfolk County filmmaker is drawing attention to a difficult and often-ignored topic with his new documentary Why Can’t We Talk About This?, which explores suspected COVID-19 vaccine injuries through the powerful story of a Waterford man.
Michael Oesch, was once a healthy, active man. But after receiving his fourth dose of an mRNA COVID vaccine in October 2022, his life changed dramatically. The day after attending Waterford’s Pumpkinfest, his leg began to drag and he had difficulty walking. Michael began to notice changes in his health within the next few weeks.
An MRI later showed serious spinal lesions, but no clear diagnosis followed. Doctors ruled out conditions like MS and Lyme disease and labelled his condition “idiopathic”—of unknown cause. Without a diagnosis no treatments have been approved and Michael has become bed ridden and relies on personal support workers for everything.
Michael believes he suffered a spike protein-related vaccine injury. But without a doctor willing to confirm it, his application to the federal Vaccine Injury Support Program has stalled. “No one will say it officially,” he says. “And without that, I’m being left behind.”
That phrase—“left behind”—echoes throughout filmmaker Dean Rainey’s documentary. Rainey, owner of Rainey Media in Norfolk, said the film isn’t anti-vaccine but aims to open up dialogue.
The documentary follows Michael’s decline and ongoing fight for recognition, support, and treatment. Rainey says making the film wasn’t easy. He tried to interview doctors, but most declined to speak on record, fearing professional repercussions.
Despite online interest, Why Can’t We Talk About This? has faced pushback. Some theatres have refused to screen the film—and haven’t even allowed Rainey to rent their facilities.
Rainey emphasized that this is not anti-vaccine propaganda. He is simply documenting Michael’s journey. That journey continues, as Michael now lives in a long-term care facility in Dundas, Ontario. While his future appears uncertain, he remains focused on making his voice heard.
“This is about awareness,” Rainey said. “We need to stop silencing people, pause and reassess the booster program, and provide care for those affected.”
The documentary – Why Can’t We Talk About This? will be shown at Capital 33 in Delhi on Sunday, April 27, with screenings at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Rainey and Michael will attend the first screening for a Q&A session. For those unable to attend, the film will later be available on DVD and online.
Written by Jeremy Hall