Global hosts screening of “Menschen” film featuring actor with Down syndrome

Menschen Website

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation
and the Denver Film Society Present
a Special Screening of “Menschen”

Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the Denver Film Society were pleased to present the Colorado premiere of “Menschen,” a short 30-minute film directed by Colorado’s own Sarah Lotfi, whose own brother and sister were born with Down syndrome and autism, inspiring the character of Radek Novak. The film stars a staunch Global supporter and self-advocate and actor Connor Long.

“MENSCHEN” is the German word for “human beings.” The film challenges prejudice behind stereotypes like “enemy,” “disabled,” or even “hero.”

The screening, at the posh new Sie FilmCenter, included dinner, the movie, and a special Q&A with Long, Lotfi and Producer Anastasia Cumming. Thank you to Three Tomatoes Catering for donating their excellent food for the event!

Menschen the Movie

Story:
May 1945, as the Allies close in, an Austrian captain guides his remnant company behind the Russian lines to surrender to the Americans, taking under their wing a boy with a developmental disability. As the loyalty of his men is brought to the test, a dark secret from the captain’s past comes to light.

Menschen the Movie

About Connor Long:
“Menschen” marks the film debut of Connor Long. Seventeen at the time of production, Connor worked with a dialect coach to speak his German lines in the film. Since filming, he continues his formal education, expanding his personal abilities and opportunities to serve as a role model while finding new challenges and having fun. A regular student in the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Connor has enjoyed his roles on a variety of projects within the Colorado film and arts community. Connor hopes his work as an actor, athlete, model and advocate will speak plainly as to the inherent value and potential of differently-abled people everywhere. Connor is a regular at Global Down Syndrome Foundation events, and he recently biked with Global’s Dare to Ride Team at the 2014 Courage Classic bike tour in support of the Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Menschen the Movie

Director Statement:War is never black and white; there are many perspectives that bring out real color in an adaption. Most people do not put disability and WWII in the same sentence, yet the historical link between them sets the stage for Menschen. I used “Menschen,” the German word for people to convey the dichotomy of what it means to be human regardless of race or disability.


Awards:

Best Actor, Connor Long, Filmstock Film Festival, 2013
Best of Best, Filmstock Film Festival, 2013
Founder’s Award for Excellence, Life Fest Film Festival, 2013
Audience Selection, Best Short Film, Life Fest Film Festival, 2013
Learn more about “Menschen” awards and film festival selections

Upcoming Screenings:
Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival – Sept. 19-20 – Temecula, CA
Reykjavik International Film Festival – Sept. 28-Oct. 4 – Reykjavik, Iceland
Showcase of Lucerne Film Festival – October – Lucerne, Switzerland
Learn more about screenings of “Menschen”

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