Parents of teens on the autism spectrum form a competitive swim team, training them with high expectations. Follow the rise of three athletes as the film captures a moving quest for inclusion, independence and a life that feels like winning.
This is the intimate and revealing story of Stephen Hawking’s life. Told for the first time in Hawking’s own words and with unique access to his home and public life, this is a personal journey through Hawking’s world. The audience joins him at home, under the care of his nursing team; in San Jose as he “wows” a packed theatre audience; in Silicon Valley as he meets a team of technicians who hope to speed up his communication system; and as he throws a party for family and friends. HAWKING also carefully tells Hawking’s life journey, from boyhood under-achiever to PhD genius, and from a healthy cox on the Oxford rowing team to diagnosis of motor neuron disease, given just two years to live yet surviving several close brushes with death. The film also highlights his greatest scientific discoveries and plots his rise to fame and superstardom.
GET OFF YOUR KNEES profiles the compelling and inspirational John Robinson. A congenital amputee, Robinson – who stands just 3’9″ tall – overcame major challenges in order to achieve the life of his dreams. Few, including his parents, expected Robinson to find a job, let alone succeed in business or start a family. Yet through his remarkable tenacity, talent, and faith, Robinson made his way in a world not designed for those without typical arms and legs – and now leads what many would consider an ordinary life. This “ordinary” life, however, requires Robinson to struggle with what others take for granted, such as driving a car or playing a round of golf.
Renowned cornet virtuoso Jim Klages, at the height of his career, noticed a tingling in his arm, nearly dropping his cornet. The diagnosis: multiple sclerosis. This film takes you into one artist’s world of infirmity, hope and determination and illuminates how the creative spirit adapts not only to survive, but to thrive.
Furniture maker Wendy Maruyama, who shares her craft and the challenges related to her deafness and disability.