From Toronto-based Juniper Park comes “Extra Ordinary,” a short documentary for Canadian-based non-profit Circle 21.
Debuting earlier this month on World Down Syndrome Day (March 21), “Extra Ordinary” gives a brief yet revelatory glimpse into the lives of those afflicted by the cognitively and physically debilitating condition. In my mind, what gives this little five-minute piece the most impact is not the images of people with Down Syndrome living happy and fulfilling lives. Instead, it’s the gripping narration from parents of these people, echoing one’s own views of an outsider looking in.
It’s hard, nay, impossible to understand what these people go through on a day-to-day basis, and it’s easy to feel sorry for them while simultaneously discounting the positive they impact they can make on everyone they meet. Even easier is perceiving that those with Down Syndrome can’t enjoy the same kind of happy lives that the rest of us can. But, hopefully, this doc can change those perceptions for some people. Credits after the jump.
Agency: Juniper Park
Executive Creative Directors, Partners: Terry Drummond, Alan Madill, Barry Quinn
Writer: Matt Hubbard
Art Director: Mike Schonberger
Designer: Ryan Teixeira
Agency Producer: Wendi Hamilton
Account Executive: Deniz Melen
Production House: Sons and Daughters
Director: David Quinn
Line Producer: Scott Houghton
Director of Photography: Chris Muir
Executive Producers: Dan Ford & Jeff Darragh