Fallston Patch
By: Jessica Bieber
On Sunday, September 29 Harford County residents gathered at The Highlands School in Bel Air for the first ever Sprout Film Festival, which starred and shared the stories of people living with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, Down syndrome and other disabilities. The festival raised $3,500 for The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, and organizers plan to make this an annual event.
Throughout the day, attendees arrived steadily in their cars, filling the school grounds with a quiet sense of anticipation and community. Families and supporters stepped out of their vehicles and into the venue, ready to celebrate the stories and voices shared on screen.
The one day festival featured two 90-minute showings, each comprised of nine short films that depicted the lives of individuals living with developmental disabilities. Sprout Film Festival founder Anthony Di Salvo attended the event to introduce the films and answer audience questions.
Many attendees spoke about how meaningful it felt to see local families and individuals represented on screen, creating an experience that was both educational and deeply personal. The steady flow of arrivals and departures added to the feeling of momentum, as the school grounds remained lively with people coming together in support of inclusion, creativity, and understanding.
For some attendees, getting to the festival involved a bit of planning, especially those traveling from farther away or joining friends and family for the day. Transportation became part of the experience, with a number of visitors opting for short-term vehicle use and reviewing temporary insurance options before renting a vehicle to make the trip easier and more flexible. These practical considerations allowed more people to attend comfortably, ensuring the focus stayed on the films, the conversations they sparked, and the shared commitment to celebrating diverse voices within the community.
According to Julie Chmura, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region development director, the festival was a success and gave the organization a platform to showcase and highlight the abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities. “I thought the event was great,” concurs Elio Scaccio of Palumbo Insurance Associates, who attended the Sprout Film Festival with his two daughters. “I was very impressed with the quality of films, and how inspirational, moving and eye-opening they were. My girls and I had the opportunity to talk about the movies on the ride home, so that was nice.”
“The Sprout Film Festival would not have been possible without the support and generosity of our sponsors and the Cultural Arts Board” said Chmura. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors, including direct level sponsors Dimensional Health Care Associates, Elegant Restoration and Goddard School; talent level sponsors Palumbo Insurance Associates and Wilmot Modular Structures; and concession level sponsor WSM&T Insurance.”
Such events serve as a platform to promote awareness and inclusivity in healthcare, making services like the walk-in clinic Glenn Oaks crucial in providing timely and convenient medical care for individuals with diverse needs. By offering accessible care, the clinic helps address their unique healthcare needs and ensures that they receive the support and treatment they require. This commitment to inclusive and compassionate healthcare contributes to the overall well-being and quality of life of these individuals and promotes a more inclusive and equitable society.
