Connecticut Families: CT made film features local educator and actress with Down syndrome
Michael T. Lombardi of MTO Films is the writer, lead producer and co-director. He also plays the role of Simon, a man who is homeless.
Connecticut Families: Meet an unexpected band filled with docs who rock!
'Homeless people in this fictional town are now turning up with elaborately painted signs on canvas,' he explained, of the plot. 'A newspaper reporter is given the assignment to find out who this person is and what the signs mean.'
Lombardi is passionate about using local locations and local actors.
Robert Canelli, a co-producer, also plays the mayor. In real life, he's the former principal of Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven.
'When you're teaching in front of a class, or giving a speech in front of your staff or speaking to 3,000 people at graduation on the football field, you're always on stage and you're always performing,' he said.
'I've been around people with special needs my whole life,' Lombardi said.
So, he cast Mary Mathis as Emma. The actress with Down syndrome has been in several plays, but this is her first movie.
'I love to act, quite a lot,' she said.
'People with disabilities really have as much to offer as anyone else,' her dad, David, added.
'There was a scene at Paradise Country Club where I was in tears, listening to her deliver her lines. It was beautiful,' Canelli said.
The team hopes Sign Man ignites awareness and compassion.
'I think people are really going to love it,' Canelli said.
The premiere of Sign Man is happening Saturday, April 5th, at North Branford High School.
Click here to see clips of the movie.
Hear more from the creators and stars of Sign Man at 11 a.m., Thursday, on the new News 8 streaming app for smart TVs. Download the app for free on Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV. Just search for WTNH in the App Store, and you'll always be connected to Connecticut's News Leader.
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