THE OPEN AIR is a feature length drama screenplay about two siblings searching for agency and independence in a world that would rather keep them in simple, easy little boxes. Jake, a person with Down syndrome, and Britta, who identifies as non-binary, travel to New Zealand in search of long lost family, and end up finding themselves along the way.

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Independent cinema has always been the birthplace of stories that challenge the status quo, and our project is no exception. THE OPEN AIR is a deeply personal story inspired by my own children and a real life mystery involving my mother-in-law's family.

 

The character of Jake is directly inspired by my son, Sam, who has Down syndrome. Far too often in Hollywood, disability onscreen is treated as a passive plot device or a tragedy. This film flips that idea, centering on a nuanced, character-driven narrative about self-determination and worthiness. With brilliant actor Cole Sibus (STUMPTOWN) already attached to star as Jake, we are fiercely committed to true and authentic representation. 

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However, Jake’s journey is only half of the heartbeat of this film. His sibling Britta, who is non-binary, is fighting a parallel battle that I want to use to completely redefine the traditional "caretaker" narrative. In media, caretakers are often forced into saintly, self-sacrificing boxes. Britta loves their brother fiercely, but they also harbor a desperate hunger to pursue a life entirely their own. Their character is directly inspired by the very real fears I have for my daughter, and the expectations already being placed on her to assume responsibility over her brother.

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Moving any project forward is an uphill battle, but films that feature a disabled lead—especially a lead with Down syndrome—are exceedingly more difficult to get made. So difficult, in fact, that only 3.9% of film and television characters feature a person with a disability, a metric that has remained completely unchanged since 2016. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities face the most extreme underrepresentation of all, and breakout roles are incredibly rare. We are told by Hollywood gatekeepers that these stories are "too niche" or "unviable." But I am here to prove them wrong.

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By backing this film, and our proof-of-concept short THE BARGAIN, you are becoming a founding member of a community dedicated to shifting the cultural narrative around disability. Through the character of Britta, you are helping prove to the world that all intersectional identities matter and deserve to be seen. In a world that constantly demands marginalized individuals explain, defend, or compromise their existence, this film explores the profound bond between two siblings who must learn how to let each other go and discover their own worth and right to independence.