John and Michael (2004)

John and Michael

2004

Animation Romance Drama

Synopsis

A gentle tale of love told in halting words. A film about healing after profound loss. John and Michael pays homage to two men with Down's syndrome who shared an intimate and profoundly loving relationship that deeply affected the filmmaker. Animated with clay backlit on glass, the film shimmers like stained glass in motion. Narrator Brian Davis, also intellectually challenged, brings the men alive with great sensitivity. The audience shares in the various emotions that infuse their everyday living. John and Michael, by its artistry, rises above society's traditional ideas around disability, sexuality and death. When the heart is touched, differences melt. Love is what defines humanity.

Credits

Director

Shira Avni

Cast

Brian Davis as Narrator

Crew

Shira Avni (Animation)

David Verrall (Executive Producer)

Daniel Littleton (Original Music Composer)

Karla Schickele (Original Music Composer)

Michael Fukushima (Producer)

Shira Avni (Producer)