"Praying with Lior" opens in Manhattan to great reviews

"Praying with Lior," a film that follows a prayer-loving Philadelphia teen with Down syndrome in his quest to be bar mitzvahed, opened in Manhattan Feb. 1. The documentary, from filmmaker Ilana Trachtman, received an excellent review in the New York Times. It is a NYT Critics' Pick, and film critic Jeanette Catsoulis writes: "Patiently and delicately, Ms. Trachtman teases out the tricky dynamics of a family dealing with a disabled child."

The documentary has been screening at Film Festivals around the country and even received a standing ovation at its world premiere at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. The filmmakers explain the mission of the film this way: "Praying with Lior is not just a documentary film for diverse audiences. It's also the centerpiece of an ambitious outreach campaign to change the way people with disabilities are perceived and received by faith communities. . . .In a society that literally 'worships' perfection and same-ness, individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities are dismissed and discriminated against everywhere. In the place where they should receive the most welcome and derive the most comfort -- their faith communities -- parents of children with special needs often hear 'your child shouldn't be here.'"

The executive director of the National Down Syndrome Society supports the film, saying this: "Praying with Lior is an important and groundbreaking film because it portrays how community inclusion, including religious inclusion, can enhance the lives of people with disabilities and the lives of everyone in the community. . . We are not aware of any existing documentary film that deals with religious inclusion in this way."

I haven't seen the film yet but it is nice to see it receive a theatrical release. It sounds to me like a perfect film for synagogues, churches, and mosques to encourage their congregations to see and discuss.

You can find out more about "Praying with Lior" at its web site:
http://www.dantrachtman.com/lior/index.htm.