From The Australian, ABC News Australia, Sydney Morning Herald:

“Be My Brother,” a movie starring a man with Down syndrome, got the top prize at Australia’s Tropfest festival on Sunday, and star Gerard O’Dwyer was named best actor. The festival is the world’s largest celebration of short films. (Editor’s note: News reports listed the actor as O’Dwyer, but the Tropfest website listed his name as Gerard O’Duyes.)

The film, directed by 20-year-old Genevieve Clay, is is the tale of a young man with Down syndrome who meets a woman at a bus stop. He faces hurdles with optimism, even in the face of prejudice and misunderstanding. (Video here.)

Clay described her lead actor, 24, as “incredible” and said he was the inspiration for the film. “(The film) is saying that you shouldn’t have prejudices — everybody has something to offer,” she said. “My lead actor demonstrates that.”

Clay won a prize package worth $100,000, including a trip to LA to meet with film executives. O’Dwyer won a $3,000 cash prize that was donated by Nicole Kidman.

(Photo of O’Dwyer and Clay from ABC News Australia)

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