Review by Armindo Neves
Macau’s Dream Sail Association* (DSA) and Macau Down Syndrome Association screened a documentary on Saturday with the aim of eliminating prejudice against people with Down syndrome and respecting differences, according to a joint statement by the two groups.
The screening was held at the Macau Federation of Trade Unions’ (FAOM; customarily known as Gung Luen) headquarters on Rua da Ribeira do Patane.
The statement also said that screening the documentary, titled “My Beating Heart”, served as an opportunity to rally support for people with special needs to realise their full potential.
Macau Down Syndrome Association Chairwoman So Po-Man said in a speech that the film showcased the real lives and pure love of individuals with Down syndrome.
So also said that her association is committed to helping society understand and accept people with Down syndrome, pointing out that they have dreams and the ability to love like anyone else, adding that their simple, genuine love is worth learning from. So said she hoped that the screening will promote greater social inclusion and care for people with Down syndrome
Local filmmaker Steven U (余志雲), who directed the film, said in a speech that the documentary differs from regular films in that it features no thrilling celebrity appearances or explosive action scenes. Its core lies in the authentic presentation of its content, U said, adding that the screened version on Saturday was a one-hour edited cut of the 2019 documentary.
U likened the documentary to red wine – able to withstand the test of time, revealing more depth with each viewing.
He also pointed out that the film takes on a bold subject matter, focusing on taboo themes surrounding individuals with Down syndrome – a topic civil society often finds difficult to accept.
U also noted that finding interviewees for the filming was quite challenging.
Meanwhile, Macau Women’s General Association (commonly known as Fu Luen) Vice-President Jennifer Chau Wai I noted in a statement on March 23 that some individuals with Down syndrome required long-term care and medical needs, often accompanied by issues such as vision and dental problems, which place a significant financial burden on their families’ daily lives and healthcare.
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed annually on March 21 to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome. Officially recognised by the United Nations since 2012, this day promotes awareness, advocacy, and inclusion for people with Down syndrome worldwide, according to a UN website dedicated to the condition: https://www.un.org/en/observances/down-syndrome-day .
Chau emphasised in the statement that supporting the integration of individuals with Down syndrome and their families into civil society is key to reducing their sense of isolation. In the statement, Chau pointed out that while some persons with Down syndrome are capable of self-care and employment, public awareness of their capability is generally low.
She recommended in the statement that the local government should provide diverse vocational training and internship opportunities for those with the ability to work through measures such as strengthening public education, improving the transition between education and employment, and supporting social enterprises.
* According to a statement on its Facebook website, the purpose of the Dream Sail Association (夢啟航協會) is to encourage young people to find their dreams, so that they can exchange, express and discuss ideas with one another, and to provide a platform for communication and the sharing of opinions for young people who have dreams. It also aims to inspire new ways of thinking and the discovery of dreams, to foster concern for society, to serve Macau, and to help young people develop good character.
“My Beating Heart” film director Steven U (余志雲) talks about his documentary before its screening at the Macau Federation of Trade Unions’ (FAOM – Gung Luen) headquarters on Rua da Ribeira do Patane on Saturday. – Photo: Armindo Neves
