Support Amanda Murray's Thesis Film on Prader-Willi Syndrome

Hi Everyone!

My name is Amanda Murray and I am a graduate student at Loyola Marymount University (MFA Motion Picture & Television - Directing Narrative Fiction). I am raising funds for my thesis film about Prader-Willi Syndrome.

I have a passion for disability representation in entertainment and, as a mother to a child with Prader-Willi Syndrome, this particular disability holds a special place in my heart. PWS is a rare genetic disorder that affects one's ability to sense satiety, thus leaving the person feeling constantly hungry. This can pose many challenges in an environment that isn't equipped to appropriately address these limitations. This project is a testament to one's desire to achieve goals of independence in the face of such challenges.

The Film:

Logline - After seeing a flyer for a job posting in a bookstore, a 21-year old with a chromosomal disability becomes determined to apply, despite resistance from her protective mother.

Plot - A mother and daughter at odds...

Emma, 21, has finally completed high school and is ready to move on to the next stage of her adult life. But her mother, Ann, fearing repercussions related to her daughter's disability, rejects Emma's request to apply for a part-time job at a nearby bookstore.

However, Emma is determined to prove her independence and makes it very clear that she is applying to the job with or without her mother's support. When Ann brings up valid concerns though, they both learn to find a middle ground and take the next step in Emma's growth together.

Characters:

Emma (played by Madi Nicole) - Fiercely independent, Emma is ready to take on the next challenge after completing high school at 21. But with Prader-Willi Syndrome and an overprotective mother, Emma finds that she must fight for what she believes in.

Madi Nicole lives in Palatka, Florida and is super excited to be joining the cast of this film. She was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome when she was 12 years old. Madi recently graduated high school and has participated in cheerleading, dance, and pageants over the years. She loves to exercise with her trainer and enjoys cooking her own meals and food prepping. She likes trying new recipes or altering a recipe to make it PWS friendly.

Madi also works on her family's farm, at her mother's salon, and she has her own goat soap making company, the Fancy Nanny! She makes all the soaps herself and sells them at local farm swaps and craft festivals. She enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and going out to eat, bowling, and the movie theater.

Ann (played by Eileen Grubba) - Having raised Emma as a single mother for the past 21 years, Ann finds it very difficult to let go and allow Emma to flourish. Though she means well, having personally witnessed the struggles of Emma's uncontrollable hunger, she fears what the world might do to her daughter.

Eileen Grubba is an award-winning actress, producer, writer, member of the Television Academy, lifetime member of the Actors Studio, and Brand Ambassador for Global Disability Inclusion. TV appearances include Bones, Cold Case, E.R., Fear the Walking Dead, Monk, New Amsterdam, Nip/Tuck, Sons of Anarchy, and more.

Eileen is also an internationally recognized advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities in film, TV, and media, and is a gifted motivational speaker.

Lisa (TBD) - As the next-door neighbor and Emma's closest confidant for the past two years, Lisa has a unique perspective on Emma's world, having freshly graduated from college herself.

The Team:

The creative team behind this film is deeply committed to authentic disability representation, drawing from their personal experiences and passions.

Leading the project is Amanda Murray, the writer and director, who is both Deaf and Autistic and a single mother of a child with Prader-Willi Syndrome. From a young age, Amanda has aspired to become a filmmaker, driven by a vision to create films that empower and normalize the disability experience. Her ultimate goal is to establish a production company dedicated to producing meaningful and inclusive stories.

Nicole Santolo, the key producer, brings her expertise from Warner Bros. to the project. Nicole recently completed a short film about her brother, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Like Amanda, Nicole is dedicated to telling stories about disability, aiming to foster greater understanding and representation through her work.

Marisa Torre, the director of photography, adds another layer of depth to the team. As a child of a Deaf adult, Marisa has a strong passion for visually telling impactful stories. Her experience and dedication enhance the film’s ability to convey its message with authenticity and sensitivity. Together, this team is committed to creating a film that not only tells a powerful story but also challenges and reshapes perceptions of disability.

We need your help! We are raising funds to make this film. We are shooting at the end of October. Your donation will cover the cost of:

Your support means championing an innovative project that authentically represents a character with Prader-Willi Syndrome. With a disabled cast and crew, including the writer and director, this film offers a fresh and respectful perspective, and breaks down harmful stereotypes.

Our intent is to elevate voices that have been historically underrepresented & ensure our story is transformative.

"Independent living isn't doing everything by yourself - it's being in control of how things are done." - Judy Heumann, Disability Rights Activist

"One big misconception is that I am not able to follow directions, learn, or be employable. I want to work so I can be independent..." - Marcus Stewart