Project Proposal

Shannon Gawel

Project Proposal

I’ve been wanting to do a documentary on this for a long time: My brother has a rare genetic disorder called Angelman Syndrome. It means he is missing part of his 15^th chromosome. Characteristics include a generally happy disposition, inability to talk besides “mama” “dada” etc., they love water, they have a flat back of the head, they have a hard time with balance, to name a few. He was diagnosed at 3 years old, when I was 7.

Because it has been such a huge part of my life, and has had both negative and positive influences, I think I am going to make this self-reflexive and include myself. The last documentary I did, my voice was heard in the very last segment for the first time, and my professor said I should have included it sooner and to more of an extent, since it was another personal subject. I’ll start with the diagnosis, and my parents and maybe a few family members, and record R.J. doing some of his daily routines. For example, on Wednesdays he goes to Danceability, a dance studio for individuals with special needs and absolutely loves it. I’ll then expand to a couple semi-local families with an “Angel,” and try to get an interview with the woman organizing the Angelman Syndrome Walkathon. It’s not until May, but it’s in the planning process. I will also be able to include family photos and home movies.

It would be tricky, but a few famous people have a child with Angelman Syndrome. I will contact them, just for amusement because I doubt they will respond. But I can at least say I tried.

I don’t know if it’s too corny, but I would like to call it “How to make an ‘Angel’ laugh.” It’s about living with someone who has a disability, and how it changes everything. I also just want people to understand a little more about it as well. One in 20,000 babies born have Angelman Syndrome, so it’s not that well-known.