The Grown-Ups

Danny and Nicky

1969

This feature documentary offers a comparison of the care of two boys with Down syndrome. Danny lives at home with his brothers and sisters and attends a special neighborhood school for children with disabilities. Nicky lives in a large institution for persons with intellectual disabilities. This film clarifies common misconceptions about intellectual disabilities, and presents an intimate portrait of the families, staff, and communities that come together to assist Danny and Nicky in learning, playing, and living a fulfilling life.

Jefftowne

1997

jefftowne is a 1998 documentary shot and directed by Daniel Kraus and distributed by Troma Entertainment. It chronicles the life of Jeff Towne, a 40 year old Iowa City resident who suffers from Downs Syndrome, obesity, alcoholism, and circulation problems. Towne also enjoys pornography and lives with his 90-year-old adoptive grandmother.

Norm

2008

Norm is a love story pure and simple. But there is nothing simple about it. A loving sister decides to take her older brother with Down syndrome into her home to provide the care and the sense of family she feels he has been denied since childhood. Like many aging adults living with Down syndrome, he begins to experience the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Her greatest fears have become a reality, "What if she can't keep him at home forever?"

Sam & Mattie Make a Zombie Movie

2021

Documentary about the making of ’Spring Break Zombie Massacre.’

Jefftowne 2

2003

Jeff Towne revisited four years after the release of the original film.

Ableism in São Paulo

2024

Through intimate stories and day-to-day routines we get a naturalistic glimpse into the lives of individuals with disabilities in the bustling urban landscape of São Paulo. The film captures personal moments and how modern societies confront (or fail to confront) ableism and inclusion.

Vito-Man

2024

Vito is a sweet little boy with Down syndrome, and this short documentary puts his energetic, jolly personality on full display as he interacts with his loving family. By showing Vito’s dignity and inherent value, Vito-Man tackles the difficult conversation that is the eradication of people with Down syndrome, proving that an extra chromosome should not be a death sentence.

My White Shirt

2015

Rob Krikke (33) has Down’s syndrome and is an actor with a theatre company. Since his sister died in an accident, that event won’t let go of Rob anymore. A decision is taken to make a play about her death. Documentary maker Didderiëns follows this process closely, shunning neither poetry nor confrontation.

Amours trisomiques, l'amour des siens

2024

Bruin Jackson Superstar

2024

Bruin has a new mission: to become a superstar, just like his idol Michael Jackson. Although singing is not his greatest talent, he starts - supported by friends and colleagues - to build a music career.

Motxila 21: Historia de una banda de rock

Invalid Date

The Down

2015

A well-known Thai writer/publisher Nong Wongthanong travelled to Italy last year. During the trip he saw several people with Down syndrome living a normal life, mingling with "ordinary" people in society. He looks back at his home country of Thailand and wonders; Why doesn't he see people with Down syndrome in everyday life, walking the street and being a part of society? He begins his research, and soon befriends 5 teenagers with Down syndrome: Pan, Beer, Bank and twin sisters Om and An.

From Bereavement to Fight

2005

This documentary gives a look without prejudice into Down syndrome, exposing families and individuals with Down syndrome. Parents discloses their experiences from the moment the doctors tell them that their babies have Down syndrome and how they supersede their initial rejection by the feeling of the motherhood and parenthood. But the most important, the director and writer shows how the patients with Down syndrome may succeed in their lives, dancing, practicing sports, reading and even loving and getting married.

An Olympic Family

2025

The story of Florida gymnast Daiana Casella, who, along with her family and teacher, overcame the obstacles that Down syndrome could put in her way. In addition to her training and preparation for future competitions, Daiana works as an artistic gymnastics teacher for a large number of children with whom she maintains a very special relationship. During the making of the film, Daiana is training for the Berlin 2023 Special Olympics, an event that will conclude her athletic career at the Olympic and world levels.

Caminando Juntos

2023