Obama Guy

Saturday, April 12th, 2008

I had a huge grin the entire time I watched this video. It turns out this young man has a website/blog and is making a documentary with his brother. As I read through some of the information on Dan’s web site it turns out he must be local to us because he attended a valentines dance at my son’s school. Small world!

You can check out Dan’s blog site here http://dandrinker.blogspot.com/ or head straight to the videos here http://youtube.com/view_play_list?p=C77F474F643BC22D

“Strong Love”

Sunday, March 30th, 2008

Strong Love
From the web site:
“Strong Love is the story of world-class weight lifter Jon Shapiro and his childhood sweetheart Holly James, both of whom were born with Down syndrome. This documentary follows the couple over the course of three years, starting with their decision to get married. Their challenges, their triumphs, and their complex, sometimes surprising relationships with family and friends are at the heart of this inspiring film.”

This is a tough subject to address. But the film handles issues of sexuality, committed relationships and independence well. I guess it would be more appropriate to say the the families and friends, as well as Jon and Holly, handle it well. The movie is only providing us with a window in to their lives.

I was touched by this story and would recommend this film to anyone.

What did my son think? Well, quite frankly at 16 if it does not involve Ultimate Fighting or WWE he does not watch! He does have a special girl in his life though who would probably watch so maybe they will enjoy the movie together some time.

I obtained my copy from the creators web site http://www.bonnieburt.com/movies/strong-love.html . I received a response from Bonnie Burt within an hour of placing the order which was nice personal touch. The movie arrived within 3 days of the order.
You can also watch a preview clip on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLFhP5olHvE

EDIT: I received a note this morning from the films creator, Bonnie Burt that Strong Love has some screening dates:

  • April 19th at Truth or Consequences Film Festival, NM
  • May 10th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC- Sprout Film Festival: http://www.gosprout.org/film/prog08.htm
  • May 31st - Mendocino Film Festival, CA - http://www.mendocinofilmfestival.org/