New Documentary Focuses on Young Boy With Down Syndrome and His Pony
Edited
EQUUS Film Festival is proud of our partnership with Director Julianne Neal, who has helped to create the Spotlight Rescue Series. We’re working together to bring the issues facing horses today to the world through documentaries, collaborating as well to highlight some of the wonderful stories of horses helping people.
The new film “A Pony And His Boy,” is one of those stories. Many people have now found the wonderful power of horses to help break through the silence of Autism and PTSD. This film addresses Downs Syndrome and the power of horses to help us connect. Berry, the pony star of the film, teaches us that even though a pony may be old, it doesn’t mean he can’t find a new job and be loved.
“A Pony and His Boy: The Story of Berry & Josh” directed by Julianne Neal, shows the power of a pony and the effect that he has had on one small boy. Josh, an 8-year-old with Downs Syndrome, had been afraid of animals, especially horses all of his life. One summer afternoon, when walking in the pasture full of horses with his mom and Lisa Diersen, Director/Organizer of the Equus Film Festival, Josh was asked, “Do you want to ride?” When he surprisingly said yes, they caught him off-guard, swept him up, and placed him on Berry. The relationship that started between Berry and Josh that day has been life-changing, not only for Josh, but for everyone who loves him.
Filmed in Illinois, North and South Carolina, plus featuring heartfelt testimonials and informative interviews,“A Pony and His Boy” is a testament to the power of the horse.
WINNIE Award winner in New York City!
WHAT IS DOWN SYNDROME?
In every cell in the human body, there is a nucleus, where genetic material is stored in genes. Genes carry the codes responsible for all our inherited traits and are grouped along rod-like structures called chromosomes. Typically, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent. Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21.
This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm – although each person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees, or not at all.
ABOUT THE EQUUS FILM FESTIVAL
The sixth annual EQUUS Film Festival took place November 29 – December 2, 2018 in New York City and is the first event of its kind to offer a home to the storytellers of the horse world, with films, documentaries, videos, commercials and shorts from around the world and cultural elements of fine equestrian art and literature.
Founded in 2013 by Lisa Diersen, Director/Organizer, an avid equestrian, who has spent her life in the company of horses. The festival was joined by Diana De Rosa, and international equine photographer and journalist in 2015, as Co-Organizer of the NYC Festival. The EQUUS Film Festival highlights and rewards the diverse and creative efforts of those who pay artistic homage to the horse.
Lisa’s mission is to show the world how horses can bring everyone together regardless of race, age, gender, abilities or disabilities. She presently raises, trains and loves Lusitano horses in Maple Park, Illinois.
The EQUUS Film Festival is now available ON-DEMAND, streaming to all your devices. For more information contact: Lisa Diersen, Founder/Director -lisa@equusfilmfestival.net, 630-272-3077. Visit our website at: http://www.equusfilmfestival.net/ and our Facebook page.
