What is Embraceable?
Embraceable is a feature documentary film about Williams Syndrome. It includes comments from leading researchers at the Salk Institute, Harvard, Vanderbilt, and other leading institutions. But the heart of the film are the wonderful scenes of people with Williams Syndrome displaying their inherent beauty, charm, and talents while gracefully navigating the challenges associated with the disorder.
When and where will the film be premiered?
The world premiere of Embraceable will be at the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival in Greece the week of March 11-20. It will be included as part of a tribute to the International Special Olympic games, which will be in Athens in 2011. For more information on this renowned festival, visit: http://www.filmfestival.gr/default.aspx?lang=en-US
When will Embraceable be released to the public?
The release date for the film has not been determined. We are targeting spring/summer of 2011.
How can I purchase a copy of the film and/or Embraceable merchandise?
The film cannot be purchased or viewed at this time, but we hope to make it available for direct purchase as soon as possible. We will also be setting up an online store with merchandise for purchase.
What awards and recognition has the film received?
This film is brand new. But the trailer has already won a National Advertising Federation “Addy” award. And we are very honored to be chosen as an “official selectio” of the 2011 Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival. We are just now exploring other festival opportunities and press coverage.
How can I receive news updates and information about the film?
There are several ways to stay current regarding the film. Our website, embraceablemovie.com will include regular updates. More up to the minute updates will be available on our Embraceable Facebook page and Twitter. Friend us on Facebook or follow us on twitter: twitter.com/embraceablefilm. For people that want more behind the scenes information, visit the 501cinema blog: http://501cinema.blogspot.com.
Who is producing/directing the film?
The film is being directed and produced by Jon Kent. This is Jon’s first feature length film, but he has been directing and producing short films for the nonprofit sector for more than a decade in his role as President of Kent Creative. Jon has been documenting Williams Syndrome for six years, including work for the Williams Syndrome Association.
Who financed the film?
This film has not received outside financing. In fact, to date, no outside financing has been sought as to guarantee the integrity of the director’s vision for the film.
Where do the scenes come from and were any of them “staged?”
The scenes documented in Embraceable were filmed at music camps, conferences and homes and none of them were staged.
Who are the scientists featured in the film?
Dr. Ursula Bellugi from the Salk Institute was Scientific Director of the film. But it also includes comments from:
Dr. Pat Levitt: Director of USC’s Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute
Dr. Karen Levine: Harvard University
Dr. Carolyn Mervis: University of Louisville
Dr. Inna Fishman: The Salk Institute
Dr. Ron Crystal: Cornell Medical College
Dr. Ann Kaiser: Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development
What type of equipment was used to film Embraceable?
The images in Embraceable were captured using many different cameras, including:
Arriflex 35mm BL2
Canon 5D MKII
Bolex 16mm
Rolleiflex 6x6
Panasonic DVX100A
All audio was captured with Sennheiser Microphones and Sound Devices' 744t
Film, really? Why?
Yes, about 1/3 of the film was shot on 35mm film. The film’s Director, Jon Kent, is deeply committed to portraying the beauty of people with Williams and felt that motion picture film was the best medium to capture this accurately.
