Up Syndrome (2000)

Up Syndrome (2000) is a critically acclaimed, multi-award winning documentary directed by Duane Graves. It was picked up for distribution by CineClix shortly after its world premiere at the 2001 Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, UT, and made available in the USA via Hulu. The movie - known for its playful, stirring and otherwise unorthodox approach to a more serious subject - has since garnered international acclaim as one of the most honest portrayals of Down Syndrome ever committed to film. Its director and subject, both lifelong friends, took home the National Media Award from the National Down Syndrome Congress in 2002. The film was selected to join the permanent archives of the United States Library of Congress in 2009.

Synopsis

Using donated digital tapes and a camera purchased with money earned from an eBay sale, indie filmmaker Duane Graves chronicles a year in the life of his charismatic childhood chum, Rene Moreno, who was born with Down Syndrome. After graduating from a high school for special students in San Antonio, TX, Moreno sets out to make his way in the adult world, optimistically battling the prejudices his condition engenders.