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BECOMING BULLETPROOF is the award winning inspiring story of a group of talented people with disabilities from across America who come together at Zeno Mountain Farm to take part in the making of a ambitious indie film production entitled Bulletproof. Bulletproof is a Western, complete with authentic wardrobe, saloon brawls, showdowns at the poker table, and evil villains. It’s the fruit of ideals that two brothers and their wives put into action through an inclusive film project they run in Hollywood every year at Zeno Mountain. For them, Bulletproof isn’t about actors’ limitations, “It’s all about making an awesome movie, not a statement.” A.J. Murray, 32, from Atlanta, has cerebral palsy and plays the town’s mayor. Jeremy Vest, 28, born with Williams Syndrome, plays the film’s hero, Bulletproof Jackson. Zach Gottsagen, 29, who has Down syndrome, plays the evil Grim. Judy Moscariello, 53, who also has cerebral palsy, plays a woman shattered by her lover’s murder. Weaving between 1890s period drama and present-day action, Bulletproof’s snaking plot requires mastering lines, pushing through take after take, and showing up on time in costume. As the actors grapple with these high expectations, we see the pay off: a can-do community spirit, the genesis of a riveting film, and a personally and socially transformative experience. We learn lessons about reaching our fullest potential through artistic endeavor and hear direct from actors about overcoming their exclusion and marginalization. In this way disability becomes “our” story, of who we are or may become, rather than the story of someone else.. Founder of Zeno Mountain Farm, Will Halby and Director Michael Barnett join us for a conversation on the collective bonds between cast and crew and joy that came from their collaborative effort.
For news and updates go to: becomingbulletproofmovie.com
LAEMMLE’S MUSIC HALL 3 http://www.laemmle.com/films/39730
10/2 Q&A with Director Michael Barnett, Producer Theodore James, Will Halby and cast after 7:20 PM show
10/3 Q&A with Director Michael Barnett, Will Halby and cast after 2:40PM & 7:20 PM show
10/4 Q&A with Director Michael Barnett, Will Halby and cast after 2:40 PM show
“The term “inspirational” gets bandied about a lot, but “Becoming Bulletproof” is thoroughly deserving of that tag.” – Michael Rechtshaffen, LA Times
“Barnett portrays his subjects with a sensitivity that never feels exploitative or sentimentalized, giving many of the featured players screentime to discuss their day-to-day lives or why they return year after year to Zeno.” – Monica Castillo, Village Voice
“A rare film about the disabled that shows them as the regular folks they are, and the disciplined creativity of which they’re capable.” Frank Lovece, Film International Journal