DARUMA - 2024 Slamdance - Episode 227

Salt Lake Dirt

Episode 227: Interview with Filmmakers/Cast of Daruma

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Immerse yourself in the groundbreaking journey of Daruma, a film that defies conventional storytelling by featuring two leads with disabilities in a narrative about the human condition. Join Kyler Bingham at Slamdance 2024 as he sits down with the passionate team behind this cinematic marvel. Discover the emotional roller-coaster from conception to the screen, the authentic casting triumphs, and the industry barriers shattered along the way. This episode is not just a behind-the-scenes look; it's a testament to the power of inclusive storytelling and the relentless spirit of independent filmmaking.

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Synopsis:

Daruma follows PATRICK (wheelchair user) who discovers he has a four-year-old daughter from a one-night stand years ago. He agrees to take her and becomes the beneficiary of her mother’s life insurance policy, but soon discovers he’s not fit to parent and that she’d do better living with her maternal grandparents on the East Coast. Unable to drive and reluctant to fly for fear of damaging his chair, Patrick enlists the help of his cantankerous neighbor ROBERT (double amputee) to drive them. Along the way, they discover the meaning of self-sacrifice, forgiveness and what it truly means to be a family. Daruma is a heart-warming tale of how to pick yourself up and move forward in life when it seems impossible. DARUMA has been lauded for its authenticity and is the first known feature film to star two leads with disabilities in a narrative not about overcoming a disability.

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Episode Links:

Linktree: @darumamovie

IG: @darumamovie

Slamdance Info

GUESTS:

Alexander Yellen (Director/Cinematographer)

John W. Lawson (Actor)

Kelli McNeil-Yellen (Writer/Producer)

Abigail Hawk (Actor/Associate Producer)

Marc Dahlstrom (First Assistant Director)

Lauren Appelbaum: (RespectAbility - Non Profit Organization)