Inspirational Flick With A Big Message by Megan Blackman-Heath | March 22, 2010 17:26 | Edited March 22, 2010 17:29 (Film Ink)
A new Aussie film is set to explore the daily life and challenges of a man living with Down Syndrome
Shortly after World Down Syndrome, Australian filmmaker Peter Cannon has announced that he hopes to make a statement about the often overlooked condition that will be impossible to ignore with his new film, Just Like U, set to both educate and inspire.
Ty Belnap (pictured) is the leading man in the film, which largely mirrors his own life. Beginning as an entirely fictional film, director Peter Cannon changed his story when he met Ty Belnap and his family at the Australian Down Syndrome Association. The story was expanded to include many of the hardships that Belnap has faced growing up.
Belnap is a record holding retired champion swimmer from the Special Olympics and the Down Syndrome Swimming Championships. He is currently a lifesaver on the Gold Coast and works as a cleaner.
The film looks set to pack an emotional punch. Revealing not only the problems and cruel ignorance the character Bradley (Ty Belnap) faces each and every day, it is also a film on how he touches the lives of other people.
Cannon is hoping to educate audiences and to dismiss many of the myths that have attached themselves to this disorder. There are numerous misconceptions about what people with Down Syndrome can and cannot do.
Ty Belnap's own mother, a special education teacher states, "People who have disabilities are more like the rest of us rather than different."
Ty Belnap himself wants to be a strong example for other disabled people, showing them and their families that they can do anything. "I want to show them they have big potential if you let them."
Attaining the funds for this film is a moving story in itself. The production crew had to seek help from the Australian Public and many businesses and individuals have stepped forward offering assistance via goods and services as well as cash donations.
Cannon says that he has been sent letters of support and received stories that have been urging for him to continue making this film. "My heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone that helped make it happen, and to my cast and crew who are all making huge sacrifices to ensure the message gets out there."
The 30-day shoot will kick off on April 10 on the Sunshine Coast. Just Like U boasts an all-Australian cast including Julie Dockson, Ozzi Devrish, Nicholas Cooper, Tania Zaetta, Palmer Marchese, and Ian Westly. As well as Ty Belnap, a few other local newcomers, including "Bad Boy" Brendan Eime, Tony Pattinson and Jamie-Lee Whelan will make their acting debut in the film.
The filmmakers hope to submit the film to major film festivals around the world, aiming for an Australian premiere in February 2011.
Shortly after World Down Syndrome, Australian filmmaker Peter Cannon has announced that he hopes to make a statement about the often overlooked condition that will be impossible to ignore with his new film, Just Like U, set to both educate and inspire.
Ty Belnap (pictured) is the leading man in the film, which largely mirrors his own life. Beginning as an entirely fictional film, director Peter Cannon changed his story when he met Ty Belnap and his family at the Australian Down Syndrome Association. The story was expanded to include many of the hardships that Belnap has faced growing up.
Belnap is a record holding retired champion swimmer from the Special Olympics and the Down Syndrome Swimming Championships. He is currently a lifesaver on the Gold Coast and works as a cleaner.
The film looks set to pack an emotional punch. Revealing not only the problems and cruel ignorance the character Bradley (Ty Belnap) faces each and every day, it is also a film on how he touches the lives of other people.
Cannon is hoping to educate audiences and to dismiss many of the myths that have attached themselves to this disorder. There are numerous misconceptions about what people with Down Syndrome can and cannot do.
Ty Belnap's own mother, a special education teacher states, "People who have disabilities are more like the rest of us rather than different."
Ty Belnap himself wants to be a strong example for other disabled people, showing them and their families that they can do anything. "I want to show them they have big potential if you let them."
Attaining the funds for this film is a moving story in itself. The production crew had to seek help from the Australian Public and many businesses and individuals have stepped forward offering assistance via goods and services as well as cash donations.
Cannon says that he has been sent letters of support and received stories that have been urging for him to continue making this film. "My heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone that helped make it happen, and to my cast and crew who are all making huge sacrifices to ensure the message gets out there."
The 30-day shoot will kick off on April 10 on the Sunshine Coast. Just Like U boasts an all-Australian cast including Julie Dockson, Ozzi Devrish, Nicholas Cooper, Tania Zaetta, Palmer Marchese, and Ian Westly. As well as Ty Belnap, a few other local newcomers, including "Bad Boy" Brendan Eime, Tony Pattinson and Jamie-Lee Whelan will make their acting debut in the film.
The filmmakers hope to submit the film to major film festivals around the world, aiming for an Australian premiere in February 2011.
