A Special Movie at a Special Theater

Today, I bring you a blog about a movie, and a theater, and how they intertwine as a special needs story with a message of humanity and inclusion. Joe, my buddy Leo, and I took a short road trip and met some friends at a unique theater to see a heartwarming film.

The Movie: The Peanut Butter Falcon

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry through most of this movie but crying seemed to have won out.  Not because it was a sad film, it was a beautiful story that evoked all different emotions. But when you watch a movie thinking this could be your child, it is going to hit home.  Our life situations did not have a lot in common, but it is the perception of people with disabilities or in this case, Down Syndrome, that you know is real.  It is about the universal underestimation of what these humans offer and not pushing them beyond their supposed limits.  

The central character is a young man named Zak, (played by Zach Gottsagen) who is 22 and has Down Syndrome.  As a ward of the state, with no family, he is living in a nursing home with senior citizens.  With the help of his older friends, he continuously tries to escape because he knows he doesn’t belong there.  

He has bigger plans for his life.

Zak dreams of being a wrestler because of a particular video he has watched over and over again. (Something my Joe does too until he has it memorized) His roommate, played by an elderly Bruce Dern, tells Zak that he can be anything he wants to be because he is a smart man.  He believes in him.  That confidence is all the young man needs, as does my son and anyone else’s child; they just need somebody to have faith in them.  This gives him the courage to run and fulfill his dreams.   

After his escape, Zak ends up in a precarious situation with Tyler (Shia LeBeouf) and they ultimately become runaway buddies. We watch their relationship blossom into a learning experience for both. Tyler, a troubled adult, who takes on the responsibility of and cares for another human, and Zak as he becomes an independent, strong man.

Not once in the movie does Tyler underestimate Zak, but always encourages him. Their relationship, at the core, is simple. They have a mutual understanding and respect of each other and both are alone in the world.

In a conversation, Zak admits he wants to be a hero but tells his new friend that he can’t. When Tyler questions why not, he explains how his coach from school told him that retarded people can’t be heroes. Tyler tells him that isn’t true, being a hero is about the heart. Yes! Words of wisdom so many need to hear about true heroism.

FYI- the word retarded is said many times in this movie!

The friendship grows as their trip ensues to fulfill Zak’s dream of going to this wrestling camp he saw in the video. There is no reason to give away the rest of the movie, but just like when we went to see Wonder, the messages were abundant. I left there hoping everyone will see this film and feel what I feel and see what I see in this population.

I can’t begin to tell you how many times my son has been underestimated. That is a constant battle of any special needs mom.

The power of belief is the best motivation you can give a person to fulfill their dreams.

This is another movie that can be an educational tool in schools and, quite honestly, in homes and various Departments of Social Services.

My two favorite lines in the movie:  

Accept his blessing, let all your wolves of the past be put to rest.

and

Just because you aren’t calling him a retard, doesn’t mean you aren’t treating him that way.  

Don’t those quotes make you say hmmmm … and want to see this movie? Also, kudos to the powers that be for hiring a man that actually has Down Syndrome to play the part.

Last time I wrote about a movie, it was Wonder, and I was relating what it was like to be a mom with a child who looks different and how a child can be pre-judged.  This movie was very age-appropriate for our group because us moms are at this same juncture of our young adults transitioning into adulthood. We want nothing more than for them to live a meaningful life, with a job they love.  We worry, and then become hopeful when we discover places like this … 

The Unique Theater

The Prospector Movie Theater is a 501c non-profit organization in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Approximately, 75% of their employees are people with disabilities. An alarming fact is that 47 million Americans with disabilities are unemployed. Why is that? Because we need more people to believe in this population.

This theater was beautifully redone, with a grand opening in 2014 by Valerie Jensen. Valerie’s passion was ignited because of her sister with Down Syndrome.  Joey’s group of friends come from all different parts of Westchester, so we ranged from 45 minutes to an hour drive, but worth every minute.  

From the moment you arrive, you are greeted and treated like you are a special guest. Every door is held open from when you enter and until you depart.  Each employee treats you with respect and look you in the eyes and say hello before they ask if they can help you.  They are trained to be courteous.  The theater is sparkling clean and they have lounge chairs or regular movie chairs, depending on your preference.  Also, the best damn popcorn I have ever had at a movie.

The employees, or prospects, are very happy and obviously proud of their work. But they don’t just work behind the counters, they also help to market upcoming movies with artwork, graphic design, and other creative ideas. Each prospect is a part of the integral fabric of this mission proving that these special people are an important part of the workforce and community. An example for other communities and businesses to follow to bring down that unemployment rate.

Thank You!

I think I can speak for my friends when I say, from the bottom of our hearts and these beautiful children,

we thank the Prospector Movie Theater and the directors/producers of The Peanut Butter Falcon. We are so grateful to you for shedding a light on the abilities of this beautiful group of individuals when given a chance. It is our hope that others will follow your example and learn what an amazing world this can be, when everyone, regardless of color, religion or ability, is included and treated as an equal, and with the respect they deserve.

Also … I hope Zach wins an Academy Award because he earned it!

Much Love Always and Happy Sunday,

Sandy

#enlighten #empower #inspire #educate #Bekind