Documentary,
19:06 minutes,
English,
BC,
2009
Synopsis
In the small town of Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada, Mount Baker Secondary School is well-known for its long history of dramatic productions.
But this time around, Bright Lights Theatre wanted to provide the same opportunity to the individuals in the school and the community with developmental disabilities.
Creative team
Writer/director/producer: Kyle Bowman
Writer: Craig McCue
Personal statement
Director Kyle Bowman says:
"In today's society, individuals with developmental disabilities are often overlooked and regularly end up as the punch-line of others’ jokes; in making this film, I wanted to illustrate the capabilities of this remarkable group, alter the negative connotations in which the general public views them, and lend a hand to the individuals themselves in the process.
In the beginning of filming the documentary, many of the members were anxious and hesitant to work on a production that was so unfamiliar to them. After all, it was the first time anything like this had been attempted in the system. But as they days rolled on, little by little, they gained the self-confidence and understanding of what this black-light endeavor was all about, and why I was documenting such an event.
Every week they would pile into my editing room, eager to witness the progress of their very own special project. For many, it was the first time in their lives that they had ever felt a sense of importance or belonging. For me, it was the first time in my life that I had ever produced a film that carried such a great sense of meaning and inspiration behind it.
There is no doubt in my mind that this is my greatest work to date, both story-wise and quality, and I look forward in continuing producing more films of this nature.
I invite you to sit back and share in this momentous accomplishment of these incredible human beings that I was so fortunate to have documented."