In May ‘23, I was filming a movie in MA when the director @gabe.zake told me about his little brother, Ethan and how he dreamed of being an actor. He asked me to keep an eye out for any acting opportunities for kids with Down syndrome. My father was going through chemo for leukemia at the time and I couldn’t stay with him so I took the train to NY when I wrapped. On that 4 hour trip, I thought a lot about my dad’s health struggles and about sweet Ethan and his dream. By the next morning I had written ‘Special Will’ and sent it to Gabe. In September, with the help of @andrewprogers, mine and Gabe’s families, and @where_is_hobbes_though, we filmed a movie of firsts. My directorial debut. Dennis’ first acting credit (not his last, he’s remarkably talented), and fulfilling Ethan’s dream. While at times sad and dark, the film at its essence is a heartwarming story of finding purpose through an unlikely friendship. You can’t help but fall in love with Ethan on and off screen, and Dennis took my breath away with his dedication to his performance. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to make this special and powerful film and so very excited to share it with the world. #indiefilm #indiefilmmaking #directorialdebut #filmfestival #drama #downsyndrome #cancerpatient #terminallyill #hospicenurse #hospicelife #vietnamveteran #postproduction #dramaticfilm #shortfilm #sundance #mfm #tribeca #sxsw #shortfilmfestival #feelgoodfilm #poweroffriendship #specialneeds #specialneedsmom #womeninfilm #danafarber #fuckcancer #happinessisdownsyndrome