A new documentary that premieres on PBS is about a month examines the joys and hardships of a family dealing with developmentally disability. The new documentary is also a keen, sharp, and unique look from within the family. PBS, Jacktar Films, and Headwater Films released a new clip from the documentary exclusively on ShockYa.com.
In her feature directorial debut, Charlotte Glynn moves home to chronicle her sister Rachel’s last year in school and her transition into an independent adult life. Rachel – her only sibling – is developmentally disabled. The resulting film, Rachel is, moves past the safety of political correctness and into the most intimate and honest moments in their family’s life. Rachel is mysterious, funny, and difficult and wants what any person her age would want – to move out of her mother’s house. Unfortunately, Rachel can’t be left alone and the social services needed for her to live an “adult life” are unavailable, making her dream of independence seem impossible.
“Rachel Is” is a powerful film about family, disability, and the universal desire for independence. It is a revealing and honest portrait of the complicated love between a mother and daughter and the complex bond between two very different sisters.
“Rachel Is” premieres on PBS’s America ReFramed on May 6. For more information, visit Rachelis.com.