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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, as he navigates life, love, and self-acceptance in a world that often underestimates him. Caught between the care of his well-meaning mother and his desire for independence, Alex escapes into vivid inner worlds that reflect his deepest hopes and fears. When he forms a connection with Hazel, a kind and curious coworker, he’s pushed to confront what it truly means to be seen – by others, and by himself.

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. “This story is inspired by my personal experiences with my sister, who has a disability, and my work with children with disabilities. My goal is to show that people with disabilities are no different from anyone else — that we all share the same dreams and desires. What sets this film apart is its exploration of the mental health of someone with a disability, through a unique storytelling style. By immersing the audience in Alex’s perspective, they will connect with people with disabilities in a new and powerful way. This story is for anyone who has ever felt “different,” with a message of self-acceptance and finding love for who you truly are.

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

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.