DOCUMENTARY: MY SON, JONATHAN

The screening launch of the documentary: My Son, Jonathan, was held on 10 November 2006 at the Singapore Management University. After the documentary was shown, the program was followed by a speech from Mr Edmund Wan (Executive Director of Spastic Children's Association), then Q&A and finally viewing of the photo exhibits.

CNA did an interview and here's their article:

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MediaCorp Channel 5 Cares raises cerebral palsy awareness through documentary

SINGAPORE:

MediaCorp TV Channel 5 Cares hopes to raise public awareness of cerebral palsy through a documentary called "My Son, Jonathan".

There are about 500 children with cerebral palsy registered with the Spastic Children's Association of Singapore.

This medical condition affects the brain and causes the child to lose control of speech and body movements.

The 17-minute video is shot and produced by nine students from the Singapore Management University and Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

It features the story of Ms Serene Ho, a full-time caregiver to her 9-year-old son, Jonathan, who has cerebral palsy.

The project took one-and-a-half months to complete and is part of a series of efforts to showcase the challenges faced by families whose children have cerebral palsy.

As Ms Ho puts it: "Accept who we are. You can look but don't discriminate us or don't make us feel like we're a different type of people. Just accept us as ordinary citizens."

Nadia Samat, Director of the documentary, said the crew followed Ms Ho and Jonathan around for a couple of days.

"The part that really hit me - there was this shot that I really really like - it was a very simple shot where Serene was gently putting on socks for Jonathan. You can tell they really have a bond," she said. - CNA/so

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Pictures will be posted soon.