50 min / documentary / 2011 / USA
filmmaker: Jon Kent
You think you know the meaning of kindness, charisma, musical passion and joy until you meet Ben Monkaba and others like him with a rare genetic condition called Williams Syndrome. Despite medical hardships and intellectual challenges, people with Williams embrace life, and everyone around them, with unconditional love and acceptance. Embraceable celebrates this beautiful variation of life through candid interviews, unforgettable social encounters, amazing musical performances, and dramatic portrait photography. Running commentaries by top scientific experts bring to light how this rare genetic abnormality can teach us a great deal about ourselves.
Sam has a passion to be a dancer, but is too shy to realize her dreams. When Peaches (her magical inner-diva-cum-drag queen) materializes on one night, Sam’s dreams transform into reality.
Lou may have Down’s Syndrome but she is more than capable of looking after herself and she longs for independence.
A playful and unsentimental portrait of Rene, a young man with Down syndrome, made by his close friend Duane Graves.
A group of women explore their own lives and memories through drawings and animations the director created from their artwork.
This documentary follows Kyle as he prepares to compete in the 2014 Washington State Special Olympics.
A mother’s mental strength is tested when she enrolls her son with autism in an ice skating program.
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