Film Lens
Up Syndrome is a documentary directed by Duane Graves that chronicles a year in the life of Rene Moreno, a man with Down syndrome. Using digital tapes and a camera funded by an eBay sale, Graves captures Moreno's experiences after graduating from a special high school in San Antonio, TX. The film portrays Moreno's optimistic approach to adulthood while confronting societal prejudices related to his condition.
The documentary received recognition, winning the National Media Award from the National Down Syndrome Congress in 2002. It was also selected for the permanent archives of the United States Library of Congress in 2009. The film's distribution was supported by the Austin Film Society, and a shortened version won a grand prize at Kevin Smith's Movies Askew contest in 2006.
Why Watch
- •Meet Rene Moreno, a charismatic man with Down syndrome.
- •See the impact of societal prejudices on individuals.
- •Follow Duane Graves' unique filmmaking approach.
Did You Know
•The film premiered at the 2001 Slamdance Film Festival in Utah.
•Duane Graves and Rene Moreno won the National Media Award in 2002.
•A 24-minute version of the film won a grand prize in 2006.
•The film was archived in the United States Library of Congress in 2009.
Perfect For
Documentary enthusiastsAdvocates for disability rightsFans of character studies