Where Hope Grows

My wife and I were treated to a special screening of this film in the middle of April. We just absolutely loved the whole movie! It was sweet, enlightening, encouraging, and just great fun. It was also a great vehicle to show just what a special needs person (in the character of Produce, played magnificently by David DeSanctis) has to offer others, and how their take on life can often be untainted by the cares of this world.

Chris Dowling and McKaley Miller were in attendance, taking questions after the movie. Both of them were so very sweet and gracious as they also gave little 'behind-the-scenes' stories, especially with working with David.

I highly encourage everyone to go and see this movie. Bring your friends. Bring tissue.

This epitomizes what I think Heartland Film Festival is about. Challenging us to see and act differently. To open our hearts to the possibilities of change from deep community. To see our incredible need for connection and meaning. Calvin needed Produce as much as Produce needed Calvin. They filled a hole for each other. They were iron sharpening iron, each challenging the other to make them stronger.

It would have been easy to fall into cheesy campy film making with this plot...washed up sports hero meets downs syndrome boy at grocery store. But somehow it felt, as a viewer, that you were actually a fly on the wall watching a friendship form in an authentic, organic fashion. The timing of their meeting felt pre-ordained, like something bigger or higher was putting them together at the right time. I loved the religious undertones. Real without shoving it in your face. But faith portrayed as something that provides hope and encouragement, is real and worth having.

As a viewer, I wanted Calvin to find meaning for his life and daughter. And I wanted Produce to have a family and attain work success despite his simplicity. But as the tale was told, it wasn't tied up with a pretty grosgrain ribbon. It allowed pain and suffering and self hatred and pity to resonate in a way that was identifiable. The viewer knows people like Calvin and his daughter. People you can't help but love and pull for, even when you are ticked at their selfish pity party, and bratty teenage ways. We could all use more Produce in our lives.

This move was incredibly heartwarming. It was a fantastic film, not just because it highlighted the reality of down syndrome, but because it truly captured the reality of everyday life. It should be commended for its bold efforts in changing the stereotypes of people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, the movie is so much more than a cause- it is a generally fantastic film. From the actors, to the filmography, to the story, this movie excels. It is touching, moving, and enjoyable. This movie goes where no other move has gone- it truly highlights life. I recommend this movie wholly on the fact that it is well made, not just as an activist for equality for people with disabilities, but as a person who laughed and cried during this fantastic piece.

I watch tons of movies, shows, and documentary's. This is one of the best films I've watched. This film is done in a tasteful fashion. This film is nothing but inspiring! Heart touching! And mind opening! This is a MUST WATCH FILM!!! After watching over 2,200 movies there has only been a few that have spoken with such inspirational volune like this film. Please watch it! We get so caught up in big block busters when it's actually these types of films that speak to us on a personal level and actually produce something that can inspire us.

Produce is a heartwarming movie about an unlikely friendship. It walks a fine line, because it would be easy for the film to go overboard, but it strikes just the right balance. There are religious themes, but it's never preachy, it's heartwarming, but not too cheesy, and the central friendship never feels forced. There were so many times that I was expecting the movie to go over the line, but in every instance, it pulled back a little and struck just the right balance. It's a well-written story, the acting is always believable, and it all works together so well. It's a movie that feels so real, because when you watch it there are times when you're uncomfortable, times you're scared, times you want to cry, times of great joy, and you really feel for the characters, and you want to see where the story goes.