The heartwarming short film, Share For Me from writer-director Alexander Georges will make its debut at the Dallas International Film Festival, (DIFF), Thursday, May 4 and Friday, May 5, 2023.
The story follows a young man with Down Syndrome and his aging Greek father. The twosome can’t look after themselves, but together, they can crash a funeral on mom’s birthday. Inspired by a feature screenplay of Georges’ real-life father and brother, for which he is currently seeking financing, the movie accurately depicts the intimate and cherished bond the two share.
“I am very passionate about this story. We don’t often associate a person with Down Syndrome as being a caregiver, we always assume people with disabilities need the care. But especially in a family, where you understand people both physically and emotionally and you can read their needs and wants, a different relationship forms.” said Georges.
The stellar cast includes Down Syndrome lead actor Evan Vourazeris (Tuck from the Netflix series Ozark), based in El Paso, Texas. Evan is an actor, disability advocate and motivational speaker. He’s also a BullyFree advocate and has spoken to over 500,000 kids and families about bullying, cyberbullying and empowerment issues.
Lead actor Apollo Dukakis is an accomplished actor with more than 50 years’ experience. He has performed in many prestigious regional theaters throughout the US, including the American Conservatory Theatre and the Dallas Theater Center. He’s also a recipient of the Los Angeles Drama Critics’ and Dramalogue awards, an Ovation award and company member at A Noise Within for more than 25 years.
Co-star, Dallas native, actor and stand-up comedian Willis Turner is a recipient of the “Up and Coming Comic” award at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival, and he has performed on both Comedy Central and BET.
For the casting of other characters with disabilities, Share For Me partnered with Easterseals and disability acting pioneers Pacific Arts Studio West.
“I wanted to tell a personal story, I watched my father be the caregiver for my brother, but as he grew older, my brother began to care for my father,” said. Georges. “They have an interesting dynamic that I am fascinated by,” he continued. When my father was in his 70’s, my brother began to do things for him, like buckle his seatbelt and give him directions and it’s only grown.”
This outstanding film, centered on disability and increasing disability visibility, will play a vital role in educating audiences. The characters are warm, relatable, and touching. “I’ve never seen a movie like this, or represented anywhere in film, said Georges, that’s why I wanted to tell this story.”
The 17th Annual Dallas International Film Festival will run from April 28 to May 5, 2023 at the Violet Crown Cinema in West Village Uptown at dallasfilm.org. The festival includes powerful films from both established and emerging artists in a wide range of styles. To purchase tickets to individual screenings, use the film guide or schedule at https://diff2023.eventive.org/welcome.