To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day 2023, RRC Polytech is pleased to share two short films worked on by Creative Communications (2013) graduate Monique Pantel.

Growing up in Winnipeg, Monique and her parents lived in the same duplex as L’Arche Winnipeg, an organization which creates homes, social opportunities and jobs for people with intellectual disabilities. The connections Monique has made through L’Arche have lasted a lifetime. In her 20s, she worked part-time at the L’Arche Tova café, and took on additional roles within the organization to help promote and uplift the community. One of the ways she’s been able to do that is through her work on two short films, Linda’s Wish and Freebird. Both films were inspired by the lives of people with Down syndrome who are part of the L’Arche community.

Monique currently lives in Cambutal, Panama with her family and is a successful international photographer specializing in wedding and lifestyle.

Linda’s Wish

Created by Monique Pantel and her father, Hubert Pantel

The 6 minute short film, a creative collaboration between father and daughter Hubert Pantel and Monique Pantel, celebrates Linda’s life-long dream of becoming a bride. On her special day, Linda was surrounded and supported by her friends and family, complete with cake, dancing and a bouquet toss.

“I’ve known Linda my entire life. She spent Christmases with my family. And she’s had a lifetime love for white dresses, fancy rings and everything wedding related. Last summer (2018), her community of friends and family came together to celebrate her and she finally got to experience what it felt like to be a bride. A true lifelong wish for her. To say that capturing this day was special- is an understatement. This short film was created in collaboration with my hero, my dad, whose older footage of Linda really helped shape this film.” – Monique Pantel.

Freebird

Created by Nicholas Herd and directed by Michael McDonald & Joe Bluhm

Freebird is the coming-of-age story of a boy with Down Syndrome who learns to navigate the world with a loving mother, an absent father, a classroom bully, and a life-long crush. In just five minutes, we watch 45 years of his life flash by. Freebird Creative Director, Nicholas Herd, is the first film maker with Down syndrome in history whose film has been long-listed for an Academy Award.

#LotsOfSocks

March 21 marks World Down Syndrome Day, and this year you’re invited to wear “lots of socks.” Lots of socks acknowledges what makes us all different, and yet the same.

Wear your most fun, colourful, eye-catching socks as a conversation starter. The idea is to get your socks spotted, so when people notice you can let them know you’re wearing them to raise awareness about Down syndrome. And then you can share everything you want them to know about Down syndrome.