| Up Syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Duane Graves |
| Produced by | Duane Graves Justin Meeks |
| Written by | Duane Graves |
| Starring | Rene Moreno |
| Music by | Rene Moreno Derek Lacey |
| Cinematography | Duane Graves |
| Editing by | Duane Graves |
| Distributed by | CineClix (North America) |
| Release date(s) | April 14, 2009 (Netflix) |
| Running time | 82 mins. |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Up Syndrome (2000) is a critically acclaimed, multi-award winning documentary directed by Duane Graves. It was picked up for distribution by CineClix shortly after its world premiere at the 2001 Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, UT, and made available in the USA via Netflix. The movie - known for its playful, stirring and otherwise unorthodox approach to a more serious subject - has since garnered international acclaim as one of the most honest portrayals of Down Syndrome ever committed to film. Its director and subject, both lifelong friends, took home the National Media Award from the National Down Syndrome Congress in 2002. The film was selected to join the permanent archives of the United States Library of Congress in 2009.
Contents |
Using donated digital tapes and a camera purchased with money earned from an eBay sale, indie filmmaker Duane Graves chronicles a year in the life of his charismatic childhood chum, Rene Moreno, who was born with Down Syndrome. After graduating from a high school for special students in San Antonio, TX, Moreno sets out to make his way in the adult world, optimistically battling the prejudices his condition engenders.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Rene Moreno | Himself |
The Austin Film Society provided grant support for distribution of the film. Later, a shortened 24-minute version of the documentary won the grand prize at famed movie director Kevin Smith's (Clerks, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back) Movies Askew contest in 2006. Notable film critic Scott Foundas of Daily Variety described the movie as "touching." Film Threat's Merle Bertrand states that it is "engaging...a memorable experience." Notable film critic Peter Debruge of the Austin Chronicle calls it "a tender and touching character study." IndieWIRE critic Richard Baimbridge raved "it's one of the best portrait docs I have seen." Shari Crall of The Californian writes "I gained a new perspective."
1. Film Threat Review
2. IndieWIRE Review
3. Austin Chronicle Review
4. Film provides better understanding
5. Up Syndrome Official Website
6. Up Syndrome at Internet Movie Database
7. Daily Variety Review
8. Movies Askew Winners
9. Slamdance sets fest slate
10. National Down Syndrome Congress
11. Friends on both sides of film Corpus Christi Caller-Times
12. Up Syndrome on Netflix
13. Texas Filmmaker Production Fund Recipients