Prenatal Testing and the Down Syndrome Diagnosis

I am currently in the process of making a film about prenatal testing and the Down syndrome diagnosis and looking for families who are open to sharing their experience on camera (preferably located in North America). You can be at varying stages of your journey: about to be tested, have already received a Down syndrome diagnosis, or have recently given birth to a baby with Down syndrome. While filming you during this time might seem intrusive, I will take the utmost care in maintaining the intimacy in each and every situation—it will just be me and my camera—and I would only be there when it feels comfortable for everyone. A full film proposal can be shared upon request, which outlines a few strategies for maintaining the privacy of the family during your most vulnerable time (such as using audio notes, messages, and journal entries when space is needed).

There are many reasons why I think this is so important to document. To start, as prenatal testing has become a more common practice to determine a baby’s health, it would be helpful for expecting parents to see such vulnerability on screen, which in turn, can help them feel less alone with the emotions they’re experiencing as they go through the process. Your willingness to be on camera during this time will give inspiration to families who may be grappling with similar questions and challenges, fostering a sense of community and support. Generally speaking, participating in a documentary can also be a cathartic and affirming experience. By sharing your story, you can dispel feelings of isolation by connecting with others who are going through similar circumstances (as an example, I’d like to film you meeting with another family who has a child with Down syndrome).

Showing you and your newborn baby can also help reduce the stigma surrounding Down syndrome by putting a human face on the condition. Showing that individuals with Down syndrome (and their families) are strong, resilient, and capable of managing challenges that come their way could be an empowering experience for an expecting parent. It can also help shift the conversation from a focus on perceived limitations (and misconceptions on their quality of life) to an appreciation of unique abilities and perspectives. As a result, the film will help inform the public of what resources and support are available, while simultaneously encouraging medical professionals to continue doing research in the field.

If you are interested in participating in the film, please reach out to me at scottdrucker13 [ at ] gmail.com. I truly believe that by sharing your story, you can help foster positive change and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Also, please note that while I am an independent filmmaker (this film has no connection to a production company or studio), there is a willingness to pay a consortium fee for your time. I believe the landscape of documentary filmmaking is changing and the subject material could render a payment as ethically justified. An educational distribution plan would also include speaking fees for families after public screenings of the film.