In addition to the annual Sprout Film Festival in New York City, the SFF has begun touring the country, screening an ever-growing selection of films to areas around the United States. For information and updates on periodic screenings, please call the Sprout office toll-free 888-222-9575 or email: STFF@GoSprout.org. Send us your email address so you can be notified when the Sprout Film Festival comes to a venue near you!


-Bring the best of the Sprout Film Festival to your area!

You pick the date and location and we will work with you to tailor any number of programs, bringing a custom version of the festival to your area. Ideal for group homes, conferences, universities or other groups interested in seeing quality, educational, entertaining films related to developmental disabilities. A Sprout representative will be present to coordinate each screening.

Whether you want a mix of genres and themes or a group of films focused on a particular subject, we will design a program specifically to interest your audience. Plus, after each annual SFF, all of the films screened that year will be added to the ever-growing list of titles to choose from.

If you are interested in arranging a customized program(s) of films, please contact our office toll-free at 888-222-9575 or email: STFF@GoSprout.org to discuss the pricing details.

 


17 min. / Narrative / 2005 / UK
A man with Down syndrome discovers there is more to life than films when he discovers the outside world. >>
Down syndrome, foreign, independence, performance - captioned version
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3 min. / Documentary / 2002 / UAE
In the United Arab Emirates, children with Down syndrome are often hidden away at home or in hospitals. One exceptional family and their love for their child form the focus of this moving documentary. >>
Down syndrome, relationships , foreign

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15 min. / documentary / 1970 / USA
This ground breaking documentary, premiered at the White House Conference on Children (1970), portrays the behaviors and achievements of Georgia, a four year old girl with autism, in her special education class.>>
autism, education system, history

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3 min. / Documentary / 2004 / USA  
In this short video, we meet a boy whose little sister has Angelman Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Through a poem he wrote, we see the strong bond that exists between these siblings.>>
Angelman Syndrome, relationships
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6 min. / Narrative / 2006 / USA  
The story of a man who copes with his disability by living through his dreams. The only problem is that even in his dreams he cannot escape the reality of his existence.>>
Down syndrome, relationships

click here for video
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

40 min. / Documentary / 2004 / USA
Sue Rubin has autism. With the help of a facilitated communication board, she takes the audience inside, on an extraordinary journey to explain what she feels and does. This Academy Award nominated documentary offers a fascinating view of autism as it has rarely been seen – from the inside out.>>
autism
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 1/2 min. / claymation / 2002 / Scotland
A clerk has closed his bank for the night when a robber bursts in and steals all the money. The bankrobber flees with the police in hot pursuit. He crashes his truck into a tree, is captured and thrown into jail. Meanwhile the bank takes the reward! >>
animation, autism, claymation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

52 min. / documentary/ 1998 / USA
Following the struggle of the Shepard family over a period of five years, this powerful and evocative video documents the slow, painful process of reaching one child with autism. It offers tremendous insight into the stress families and educators face as they tackle this mysterious disorder, while giving hope and inspiration to those who are determined to bring their children out from behind the glass door of autism. >>
autism, children, family, education
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

120 min. / Documentary / 2004 / USA
Whether composing albums in the style of '50s television theme music (particularly Sea Hunt), or stalking celebrities like his idol Johnny Mathis or Jeff "son of Sea Hunt" Bridges, Richard Peterson is more than just your average autistic street performer. Big City Dick follows Peterson through nearly a decade of his life, depicting his many personal oddities as he seeks a regularly paying gig as a musician and composer. >>
artist, autism
click here for preview  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

40 min. / documentary / 2007 / USA
A rare look at an unusual relationship between two people with disabilities. The film tells the story of Diana Braun who has Down syndrome, and Kathy Conour who is non-verbal and has Cerebral Palsy, and their tireless activism for the rights of people with disabilities. Body and Soul: Diana & Kathy moves beyond disability and activism to a story of a profound, creative friendship.>>
advocacy, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

78 min. / Documentary / 2005 / USA
Did Eunice Baker, a borderline mentally retarded woman really commit the murder of the child she was babysitting? By delving into her troubled background, this film explores the complexities leading up to that tragic night. This compelling documentary will stir your emotions while raising serious questions about whether our legal system is able to protect the rights of mentally disabled people.>>
court system, relationships
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

50 min. / Documentary / 2005 / UK
This captivating film explores an unusual form of human intelligence, the autistic savant. Daniel Tammet, unique in his ability to articulate his savant experience, is featured.>>
savant
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

28 min. / Documentary / 2004 / Sweden / in Swedish with English subtitles
This moving film portrays two pairs of brothers living in a remote and isolated area of Sweden. Both pairs have chosen to live together for most of their lives, but for very different reasons.>>
relationships, foreign
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

25 min. / Documentary / 2002 / USA
Burt is a video that portrays a man who survived decades of inhuman treatment to become a person who enjoys life to the fullest.>>

history, relationships, savant- caption version available
click here for preview      
click here to see video
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8 min. / Documentary / 2005 / USA
At the age of 84, Burt, a man with developmental disabilities, gives an update (2001 - 2005) of his life and times.

history, relationships, savant
click here for 2001-2005 update
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

30 min. / Documentary / 2005 / Mexico / in Spanish with English subtitles
Carmela is a life affirming film about a mother with polio and her son with Down syndrome. Despite their disabilities, they manage to survive and overcome the daily challenges that Mexico City offers their extraordinary lives.>>
Down syndrome, relationships, foreign
click here for preview 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

20 min. / Documentary / 2002 / USA
This is a compelling story of a young woman with significant disabilities who overcame challenges to attend a community college. It is a story of self-determination to assure a quality life in the community.>>
education system
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3 min. / Music video / 2006 / Lebanon / in Lebanese with English subtitles
A unique music video from Lebanon with a universal message of acceptance and tolerance.>>
performance, foreign
click here to see video 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

25 min. / Narrative / 2002 / USA
Seth, a shy man with developmental disabilities, lives in a group home with Linda, a woman he loves from afar. Today is Linda's last day living in the group home. Will Seth come out of his dream world and declare his love to her?>>
performance, relationships - caption version available
click here for preview
click here to see video 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4 min. / Documentary / 2004 / USA  
This fun, inspirational short video presents children and adults with Down syndrome, talking about their dreams and triumphs.>>
Down syndrome
click here to see video 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

25 min. / Narrative / 1996 / USA
We are reminded of the emotional difficulties of adolescent love when a young boy with Down syndrome develops a crush on a beautiful violinist in his school. To win her affections, he draws her pictures and starts learning piano, dreaming of being her accompanist. Will she reciprocate?>>

Down syndrome, performance, relationships
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

45 min. / Documentary / 2003 / USA 
Emma was born with Down Syndrome which makes her different from her twin sister. In telling Emma's story through the eyes of her parents, the film challenges our perception of difference. >> 
Down syndrome, education system
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

16 min. / narrative / 2004 / USA / in Spanish with English subtitles
An Argentine family immigrates to the US in hope for a better life. The story is told from the point of view of a son who has Down syndrome.>>
Down syndrome, family, foreign, performance
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

14 min. / documentary / 2004 / USA
Four fathers of young children with a disability provide a glimpse into their lives and emotions.>>
family
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

3 min. / Animation / 2004 / UK
A British artist with Down syndrome created these playful drawings and stories, which his father animated. 1st Animations includes 4 of these unique collaborations.>>
animation, artist, Down syndrome, foreign
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

72 min. / Narrative / 2002 / UK
Adopted at birth, Joe is overwhelmed by an obsessive desire to trace his real parents after the birth of his daughter. When he discovers that his mother and father have developmental disabilities and were not aware they had a child, his world is blown apart. >>
foreign, performance, relationships
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


8 min. / Documentary / 2004 / Canada
After years of misunderstanding and miscommunication, this intensely personal film serves as an apology from a young man to his father, who he has learned, is mentally challenged. >>
relationships, foreign
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


9 1/2 min. / documentary / 2000 / USA
Forgotten People was shot by WITNESS partner Mental Disability Rights International (MDRI), and is narrated by Susan Sarandon. It documents the inhumane conditions faced by individuals with mental disabilities situated in grossly understaffed, inadequate and neglectful psychiatric facilities around the world. >>
history, institutions
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


11 min. / Documentary / 2004 / USA  
While it is the second most common cause of mental retardation, Fragile X Syndrome still remains a largely unknown phenomenon. This is a gripping look inside one family where all members are affected by this inherited chromosomal disorder.>>
Fragile X Syndrome, relationships
click here to see video
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3 min. / dance performance / 2004 / Germany 
People often express joy through movements. The clip does not only represent the visualization of the song Hands Away but is at the same time a study of the way young people with various handicaps dance.>>
dance
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 min. / Narrative / 2000 / USA
Seth Ehrlich, a person with developmental disabilities gives a commentary on a community's efforts to deny a group home from opening.>>

community, performance - caption version available
click here to see video 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

82 min. / Documentary / 2002 / USA

This film documents the real-life transcontinental journey of a group of adults with disabilities. These travelers serve as journalists who videotape interviews with people they meet along the way. Joined by counselors, they cross paths with evangelizers, homeless men, hitchhikers, country music lovers, alligator wranglers, migrant workers, Las Vegas showgirls, movie stars and a palm reader with red, foot-long fingernails. >>
comedy
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

27 min. / Documentary / 2005 / USA
The world famous “How's Your News?” crew are at it again with their insightful and, often times, hilarious coverage of the 2004 Presidential campaign.>>
comedy
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5 min. / music video / 2005 / Finland
A music video about the ability of a musician not the disability of an autistic man.>>
autism, music video
click here to see video
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

45 min. / Documentary / 2002 / USA 
Can a person with a mental disability be a good parent? This film takes a rare look at the controversial subject of parents with intellectual disabilities and their children. >>
relationships
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 min. / Music video / 1998 / Brazil
Two kids on a merry-go-round, one is "normal," the other has Down syndrome. As you get to know their daily activities, you conclude the obvious, but the ending is a significant surprise. >>
children, Down Syndrome, foreign

click here to see video 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11 min. / Animation / 2004 / Canada
An emotionally moving love story about two men with Down syndrome, this animation explores themes of love, loss and healing. Creatively given life through a unique process of back-lighting clay on glass, the shimmering result is what the director describes as “stained glass in motion.” >>
animation, Down syndrome, relationships, foreign - caption version available
click here for preview 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18 min. / Narrative / 2003 / USA
“The no good Luten is at it again. He has captured our cyborg and reprogrammed him. If he figures out how we made him, we are in deep trouble. The future of the world is in your hands.” The Karate Lover comes to the rescue. >>
comedy, performance
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

14 min. / Narrative / 1999 / USA
The year is 3168 and planet Earth is being threatened by the evil Natas, from planet Olvidan. Hope for a peaceful future lies in the hands of the Karate Ruler. All actors in this sci-fi thriller have developmental disabilities.>>

comedy, performance
click here for preview
click here to see video 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

93 min. / Narrative / 1986 / USA  
Co-written by Emily Perl Kingsley, the mother of a Down syndrome child, the script for this TV movie is based on her own experiences; the mother (Tyne Daly) devotes herself to training her child to surmount his handicaps.>>
Down syndrome, parenting, performance
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

42 min. / Narrative / 2005 / USA
A tale about Viru, a self-proclaimed music buff, and how he survived his first day at summer camp. This video features acting and musical performances by people with developmental disabilities.>>

comedy, musical, performance- caption version available
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

43 min. / Documentary / 2007 / USA
Lest We Forget: Silent Voices chronicles the first person histories of people who lived in Ohio state institutions during the last years of institutionalization and the long journey home that is continuing today. While based in Ohio, the stories have national historical significance as a civil rights movement.>>

history, institutions - caption version available
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10 min. / Documentary / 1999 / USA
This important documentary focuses on President John F. Kennedy's pioneering effort to improve the lives of persons with mental retardation.>>
history
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15 min. / Documentary / 1993 / USA 
Little Hébert chronicles the pregnancy of the filmmaker's wife and birth of their son, who was born with Down's Syndrome. The video portrays the couple's fears, love and new outlook on life as a family. >>
Down syndrome, parenting
click here for preview

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

29 min. / Documentary / 2004 / Netherlands / in Japanese with English subtitles
Sixteen-year-old Yoshinori Takeuchi has Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism. Yoshi’s dream is to attend a regular Japanese high school, but his disability has prevented him from making that dream happen. He is working to understand his disability and make changes that will enable him to get the best possible education.
>>
Asperger’s Syndrome, autism, education, foreign
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

30 min. / documentary / 2007 / USA
The story of what happens when four young men with autism, from a public school, are chosen to pilot a college inclusion program in NYC.
>>
autism, college, inclusion
click here for preview

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

28 min. / narrative / 2004 / Germany / in German with English subtitles
"Loose Contact - one will meet ...or one will be met" tells the story of a slowly developing intimacy between two shy people with developmental disabilities. We follow their mutual evasions, and how they draw closer only to draw back again.
>>
acting, foreign, relationships
click here for preview

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

50 min. / Documentary / 2005 / UK
What is it like to not understand the world you live in? What happens when the simplest daily tasks lead to anxiety, frustration and even violence? This documentary offers a rare glimpse into the world of four students with autism.>>
autism, education system, foreign
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3 min. / animation / 2005 / Canada 
Mark is a film that will question our tendency to rush through life, while we ignore beauty and fulfillment in the many instances that pass us by.>>
animation, foreign - caption version available
click here to see video

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

56 min. & 38 min. versions / documentary / 2003 / USA
A riveting and complex coming-of-age story of a teenager with multiple disabilities, who is a local celebrity in his NYC neighborhood. As Mark prepares for his religious rite-of-passage, a family and community must consider his life away from home and the West Side.>>
family, community, religion
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

86 min. / narrative / 2007 / USA
A narrative about an unconventional love triangle between three childhood buddies; two girls, one born with Down syndrome, and one boy, who all grow up fighting who they are inside, how they are perceived by society as a whole.>>
Down syndrome, family, relationships
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

96 min. / Narrative / 2005 / USA
A New York story of two impoverished brothers, one of whom is developmentally disabled, and the bond of love they have for each other. Features performances by Vanessa Williams, Nashawn Kearse, Tatum O’Neal and introducing Christopher Scott and Donovan Jennings.>>
Down syndrome, performance
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

21 min. / Documentary / 2004 / USA
“It’s better for growing vegetables than people,” says autistic artist Larry Bissonnette, of his years living in an institution. Filled with humorous and poignant assessments of his life, this documentary also explores the complexities of expression as Larry moves between speech, typing and painting.>>
artist, autism - captioned version
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

14 min. / documentary / 2007 / USA
This film showcases footage from Think of Me First as a Person, a film made in the 60’s and 70’s and narrated by a loving father about his son, a boy with Down syndrome.>>
Down syndrome, family, history
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

45 min. / Narrative / 2006 / USA
A documentary film crew captures the behind the scenes happenings during the making of a vampire film. Reality and fiction become blurred as the seven actors with developmental disabilities lose themselves in their roles. >>
comedy, performance
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

83 min. / Documentary / 2003 / USA  
Laura, Tim W., and Tim S. were born with developmental disabilities and are now living outside an institution for the first time in years. This feature length documentary verite explores the intimate and original view of human struggle told through the stories of these unique individuals.>>

relationships
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

52 min. / Documentary / 2000 / Australia
An intimate character study, a comedic portrait and above all, an uplifting story of young actors pursuing their dream, this documentary follows an Australian theater group of individuals with intellectual disabilities. We are introduced to three full-time actors and writers with this theater group who share their talent, humor, personal hardships and desire for self-expression.>>
foreign, performance
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7 min. / Documentary / 2002 / USA  
This innovative short film invites us into the world of a young man who has autism and muteness. In his own words, with the creative use of digitation, a communication board and the camera, we are offered an intimate glimpse into the challenges and frustrations of his everyday life.>>
autism
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

26 min. / Documentary / 2006 / USA
From a lifetime of institutionalization to international acclaim in the art world, this film is an intimate portrait of a compelling, eccentric and talented individual who has prevailed in the face of daunting odds. >>
Artist, Down syndrome
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

25 min. / Documentary / 2005 / USA
An episode from Random 1, a TV program on A&E, that focuses on two friends who meet and help total strangers. They encounter a shy young man with special needs who has one simple request: help him find his first date. >> 
relationships
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

2 min. / animation / 2003 / Scotland
Playing God is an animation about Sam. He is out walking when a gunman shoots him dead. Sam flies up to heaven and he meets God. God isn’t feeling very well so he asks Sam to take over the job for a while. He now has the power to change historical events but can he prevent his own death? >> 
animation, Asperger's Syndrome, autism
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

16 min. / Documentary / 2004 / USA
This documentary follows three New York City high school seniors with different disabilities as they graduate and attempt to make plans for their future.>>

education system
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18 min. / Narrative / 2000 / USA
A mock weekly television show bringing the latest video news, featuring interviews, movie reviews and commentary.>>

comedy, performance
click here for preview
click here to see video 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

14 min. / Narrative / 2006 / Australia
With unfailing determination, a man with a developmental disability forces his family to understand his perspective of the world he lives in. >>
performance, foreign
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5 min. / animation / 2006 / USA  
This beautifully made animated music video brings to light little known events that shaped America's journey from dependence to independence. >>

animation, history - captioned version
click here to see video
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11 min. / Documentary / 2004 / USA
A couple shares their personal thoughts on love and marriage in this candid portrait.>>
relationships - caption version available
click here for video
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

10 min. / documentary / 2003 / Canada
A touching look inside the world of those who have grown up with a mentally challenged sibling and how this relationship has had a profound effect on their lives. >>
siblings
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

30 min. / documentary / 2007 / USA
All of us have psychological and physiological qualities that shape our perception and experience of the world we live in. While these qualities do not define us, we carry them with us like a motorcycle carrying a sidecar. This film explores this idea by documenting an unusual friendship between two extraordinary people.>>
artists
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

23 min. / narrative / 1997 / Canada
A contemporary Christmas tale, based on the best selling children's book "How Smudge Came" by Vancouver author, Nan Gregory - it is the simple endearing story of a young woman with Down Syndrome and her love for a stray puppy named Smudge.>>
Down syndrome, performance
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

3 min. / Animation / 1999 / USA
An animation starring Ryan Power, an autistic teenager living in Austin, Texas, which documents his trip to the local store for a snack and drink.>>
animation, autism
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

21 min. / Narrative / 2001 / Iran / in Iranian with English subtitles
A father and his son with Down syndrome navigate life’s difficulties on the streets of Tehran, tackling unemployment, prejudice and homelessness. This poignant story unfolds with both tenderness and brutality as we see the complexity of surviving life’s challenges on the Iranian-Afghan border.>>

Down syndrome, performance, foreign
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3 min. / music video / 2006 / USA
Hip Hop artist LAZ D performs his inspirational music against the backdrop of crime scenes, parking garages, and the streets of downtown Portland, Oregon.>>

Down syndrome, music - caption version available
click here to see video
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

56 min. / Documentary / 2007 / USA
We follow world-class weight lifter Jon Shapiro and his childhood sweetheart Holly James, over the course of three years, starting with their decision to get married.>>

Down syndrome, family, relationships
click here for preview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9 min. / Music Video / 2001 / Iceland  
This unforgettable and award-winning video, conceived by and supervised by the musical group, Sigur Ros, features the Perlan special-needs theatre group acting out a simple but beautiful play about the elements. >>
Down syndrome, performance, foreign