2007 SPROUT FILM FESTIVAL
Schedule: Friday April 27
MY BROTHER
86 min./narrative/2005/USA
A New York story of two impoverished brothers, one of whom is developmentally disabled, and the bond of love they have for each other. Features performances by Vanessa Williams, Nashawn Kearse, Tatum O’Neal and introducing Christopher Scott and Donovan Jennings.
Schedule: Saturday April 28
MARK
3 min./animation/2005/Canada
Mark is a film that will question our tendency to rush through life, while we ignore beauty and fulfillment in the many instances that pass us by.
LIFE IN THE SHADOWS
10 min./documentary/1999/USA
This important documentary focuses on President John F. Kennedy’s pioneering effort to improve the lives of persons with mental retardation.
HOW’S YOUR NEWS?: ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
27 min./documentary/2005/USA
The world famous “How’s Your News?” crew are at it again with their insightful, and often times, hilarious coverage of the 2004 Presidential campaign.
THE REAL RAIN MAN
42 min./documentary/2005/UK
Kim Peek is a confounding mix of disability and brilliance and the inspiration for the Oscar-winning film Rain Man. This documentary follows Kim and his father on an incredible journey to unlock one of the world’s most extraordinary minds.
KIDS LIKE THESE
93 min./narrative/1986/USA
Co-written by Emily Perl Kingsley, the mother of a Down syndrome child, the script for this TV movie is based on her own experiences; the mother (Tyne Daly) devotes herself to training her child to surmount his handicaps.
BRAIN MAN
50 min./documentary/2005/UK
This captivating film explores an unusual form of human intelligence, the autistic savant. Daniel Tammet, unique in his ability to articulate his savant experience, is featured.
THE BOY INSIDE
47 min./documentary/2006/Canada
The captivating story of the filmmaker’s son Adam, a 12-year-old Asperger’s Syndrome, during a tumultuous year in the life of their family.
JIMMY
2 min./music video/1998/Brazil
Two kids on a merry-go-round, one is “normal”, the other has Down syndrome. As you get to know their daily activities, you conclude the obvious, but the ending is a significant surprise.
RODNEY
14 min./narrative/2006/Australia
With unfailing determination, a man with a developmental disability forces his family to understand his perspective of the world he lives in.
DIFFERENCE IS NORMAL
3 min./music video/2006/Lebanon
A unique music video from Lebanon with a universal message of acceptance and tolerance.
BROTHERS IN GIRON
28 min./documentary/2004/Sweden
This moving film portrays two pairs of brothers living in a remote and isolated area of Sweden. Both pairs have chosen to live together for most of their lives, but for very different reasons. in Swedish with English subtitles
CARMELA
30 min./documentary/2005/Mexico
Carmela is a life affirming film about a mother with polio and her son with Down Syndrome. Despite their disabilities, they manage to survive and overcome the daily challenges that Mexico City offers their extraordinary lives. in Spanish with English subtitles
Schedule: Sunday April 29
MATHEW’S ANIMATION
2 min./animation/2006/Canada
A fascinating collection of four short films by Montreal artist Mathew Brotherwood.
USELESSSEA’S
5 min./animation/2005/Ireland
Andrew Pike, the creator of this wonderful animation, puts himself in a hypothetical meeting with the writer James Joyce.
SECRETS OF EARLY US HISTORY
5 min./animation/2006/USA
This beautifully made animated music video brings to light little known events that shaped America’s journey from dependence to independence.
LEARNING TO LOVE
11 min./narrative/2006/USA
A captivating tale of a young couple facing difficulties in their relationship and learning, from their own mistakes, the power of interpersonal communication.
MY SENIOR YEAR…IT’S ONLY JUST BEGUN
15 min./documentary/2006/USA
This heartwarming documentary features Jessica and the wonderful events that took place during her last year in her beloved high school.
KARATE RULER
14 min./narrative/2000/USA
The year is 3168 and planet Earth is being threatened by the evil batas, from planet Olvidan. Hope for a peaceful futures lies in the hands of the Karate Ruler.
THE FORGOTTEN ONES
45 min./narrative/2004/Canada
Darkness shrouds the world, both day and night, and anyone who ventures outside is consumed immediately by vicious brain-sucking insects from outer space. This suspenseful film tells the story of 100 students trapped in their high school after an alien invasion.
KIDS LIKE THESE
93 min./narrative/1986/USA
Co-written by Emily Perl Kingsley, the mother of a Down syndrome child, the script for this TV movie is based on her own experiences; the mother (Tyne Daly) devotes herself to training her child to surmount his handicaps.
BRAIN MAN
50 min./documentary/2005/UK
This captivating film explores an unusual form of human intelligence, the autistic savant. Daniel Tammet, unique in his ability to articulate his savant experience, is featured.
THE BOY INSIDE
47 min./documentary/2006/Canada
The captivating story of the filmmaker’s son Adam, a 12-year-old Asperger’s Syndrome, during a tumultuous year in the life of their family.
JIMMY
2 min./music video/1998/Brazil
Two kids on a merry-go-round, one is “normal”, the other has Down syndrome. As you get to know their daily activities, you conclude the obvious, but the ending is a significant surprise.
RODNEY
14 min./narrative/2006/Australia
With unfailing determination, a man with a developmental disability forces his family to understand his perspective of the world he lives in.
DIFFERENCE IS NORMAL
3 min./music video/2006/Lebanon
A unique music video from Lebanon with a universal message of acceptance and tolerance.
BROTHERS IN GIRON
28 min./documentary/2004/Sweden
This moving film portrays two pairs of brothers living in a remote and isolated area of Sweden. Both pairs have chosen to live together for most of their lives, but for very different reasons. in Swedish with English subtitles
CARMELA
30 min./documentary/2005/Mexico
Carmela is a life affirming film about a mother with polio and her son with Down Syndrome. Despite their disabilities, they manage to survive and overcome the daily challenges that Mexico City offers their extraordinary lives. in Spanish with English subtitles
