Flying Solo #3 - Disability Documentary - Tom Struggles With Sadness

This is part three of “Flying Solo”, a feature documentary about three adults with Down syndrome and the challenges they face on their journey to become independent. Filmed over five years, this self-financed documentary began as a short film project while I was attending film school in Australia in 2013. My decision to follow the lives of participants Digby Webster, Tom, and Tracie wasn’t accidental. Just a year earlier, I had been diagnosed with autism. For a lot of my life, I felt marginalized because of my disability. The film to me was a chance to foreground the often overlooked capacities and contributions of people with disabilities. “Flying Solo” is a social impact film also geared towards raising public awareness about a national shortfall of alternate accommodation options for adults with disabilities. Unlike group homes, these housing models (such as the Abbeyfield model) are designed towards promoting individual independence and continued community involvement. “Flying Solo” aired on ABC Australia’s “Compass” program as two episodes in 2018. I believe the film’s message is as relevant as ever, and so I am making it available to view for free in four parts on YouTube. To ensure this film is accessible, I personally prepared captions (in English). Part 1: https://bit.ly/2VAOlOE Part 2: https://bit.ly/3yB43I4 Part 3: https://bit.ly/3jtozE8 Part 4: https://bit.ly/3fLTudQ Full synopsis: Sydney resident Digby Webster, a talented artist who dreams of one day moving out of his parent’s home. His friend Tom Elenor fantasizes about stardom but struggles with the responsibilities that come with living independently. Award-winning actress Tracie Sammut now wants to teach acting and put a stop to industry stereotyping. All three of them have Down Syndrome, a disability that society doesn’t always understand, or accommodate. As they take their first strides towards independence, they face new challenges and opportunities that will test their resolve. In their struggle to find a balance between dreams and reality, can they fly – or will they fall?

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