Do You Dream in Color?

Do You Dream in Color? is a candid, poignant and eye-opening documentary launched in 2015. Directed by Abigail Fuller and Sarah Ivy, this inspiring film provides audiences with intimate insights into the lives of four visually impaired teenagers. These young people are defying societal expectations to overcome professional and personal barriers, showcasing their indomitable spirit and resilience.

The protagonists, Connor Head, Nick Helms, Carina Orozco and Sarah Moss, truly embody the principle of never giving up regardless of the hurdles faced. Each of their stories is woven into a narrative tapestry that speaks volumes about courage, determination, and adversity.

Connor Head is a smart, motivated teenager with a competitive spirit. Amidst many other everyday activities, he is an accomplished skateboarder and braves the world with an air of sanguinity and charm. His story reminisces about his fondness for skateboarding, how it is more than just a hobby for him, and how he uses this sport to navigate his way through life's predicaments and complex societal norms.

Nick Helms is a gentle teenager with musical zest bubbling within him. His deep connection with music is an integral part of his life. Though he is physically challenged by his sight, he resounds vigorously with melodies, harmonies and rhythms. The movie portrays his journey through a music academy and his dreams of becoming a recognized musician, demonstrating his ability to see the world with his ears and hands.

Carina Orozco, ambitious and steadfast, dreams of becoming a child protection officer. Her story reflects her determination to pursue this dream, facing disappointments and victories alike. Unable to study in a mainstream school, Carina is seen pushing boundaries in her homeschooling environment to prepare for the professional world that awaits her.

Sarah Moss, the youngest of the quartet, completes the circle in this fascinating tapestry. She is spirited and loves track and field, with dreams of enrolling in a mainstream public school. Her athletic passion and her determination to overcome the odds are compellingly portrayed in the film.

Do You Dream in Color? is an endeavor that tears down the colossal wall that society has built around visually impaired individuals. It gives the audience deep insights into their life, their dreams, the stumbling blocks on their path, and the lack of societal and institutional support they often encounter. Rather than focusing solely on the limitations, the film celebrates their tenacity, their creativity and driving spirit, which aids them to move forward.

Throughout the movie, the viewer's emotions may oscillate between sorrow and joy, between sympathy and motivation. The viewer can observe the protagonists performing day-to-day activities and highlighting the faith they have in their abilities. In doing so, they challenge societal perceptions, biases, and stereotypes about visually impaired people.

Furthermore, the film is not just about aspiration; it extensively discusses the educational inequalities and gaps in the system that often limit visually impaired students from reaching their full potential. Yet, in this exploration of setbacks and victories, the film resonated positively with the audience, bringing to light the potential for change if society were more inclusive.

The spirit of Do You Dream in Color? transcends vision. It is about dreaming, believing, persevering, and ultimately, succeeding. Each story leaves an indelible imprint, encapsulating the relentless human spirit and the pursuit of dreams endlessly. Despite their inability to see in the traditional sense, the protagonists reveal to the audience that they indeed dream in color, perhaps even more vividly than those who view the world through standard sight.

This film breaks the traditional mold of storytelling, creating a window into the world of hidden challenges and unsaid dreams. Through its tightly knit narrative and stellar real-life performances, Do You Dream in Color? stirs empathy within the viewer, challenging them to re-think their perception of visually impaired individuals and presents the concept of 'sightedness' in an entirely different light.

Powerful, moving, and transformative, Do You Dream in Color? is a must-watch film that opens the window to a world where dreams are not bound by physical limitations but are free to soar as high as the spirit wills them to. As a beautifully crafted piece of cinematic art, the film rings out with the message: nothing is impossible for those who dare to dream.