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Logline

A young man with cerebral palsy, longing for independence and love, battles self-doubt and societal prejudice, ultimately discovering his own strength and worth through a connection with a compassionate coworker.

Synopsis

Special follows Alex, a young man with cerebral palsy, navigating life, relationships, and his identity in a world that often overlooks him. The story begins with a dream sequence in a meadow where Alex shares a tender moment with Hazel, his crush and coworker, but is abruptly brought back to reality by his overprotective mother. His independence is stifled by her constant care.

On his first day as a supermarket greeter, Alex attempts to connect with Hazel, but his insecurities prevent him from asking her out. As his frustration builds, he enters a dark, surreal void representing his inner struggles with dependence and autonomy. Alex’s journey leads him to embrace his true identity as a person with cerebral palsy.

After a heartfelt conversation with his mother, Alex realizes he is loved for who he is, not despite his disability, and gains the courage to ask Hazel on a date. The story ends with Alex wearing a smiley-face pin given by a stranger, symbolizing his newfound self-acceptance.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

David Samson — Director/Writer/Producer/Actor
David is a multiple award winning filmmaker and actor. His most recent film More Than Meets the Eye swept awards from multiple film festivals across the country, including the Los Angeles Film Awards, Tops Shorts, and the New York Indie Short Awards.

Andrew Carlberg — Executive Producer
Andrew is an Academy Award and Emmy Award winning film, television, new media, and Broadway producer. He won the Oscar in 2019 for the live action short film, Skin and was nominated again in 2021 for the short film, Feeling Through.

Quinn Taplin — Director of Photography
Quinn Taplin is an award winning cinematographer based out of Phoenix, Arizona and is also the founder of Drifthouse. His career spans across 20 different countries. Previous work include Ferrari, Ebay, Draft Kings, The Daily Wire, and Audi.

Micah Fowler — Actor
Micah D. Fowler is an American actor with Cerebral Palsy. He is best known for portraying J.J. DiMeo on the ABC sitcom Speechless. Fowler is one of the few disabled actors who have portrayed a disabled character on primetime network television. Previous work include Speechless, Labor Day, Blues Clues, and Sesame Street.

Stacey Pianko — Casting Director and Producer
Stacey Pianko, CSA is a seasoned casting executive, producer, and actor mentor with a career spanning studio features, hit television shows, and award nominated independent films. Previous work include Avatar: the Way of Water, Get a Clue, and A Wrinkle in Time.

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Contact

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