Freebird (2021 film)
| Freebird | |
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| Music by | Jordan Hart |
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| Distributed by | L'Arche |
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Running time | 5 minutes |
| Language | English |
Freebird is a 2021 Canadian 2D animated short film written and directed by Michael Joseph McDonald and Joe Bluhm, and co-led by creative director Nicholas Herd. The plot follows Jon, a boy with Down syndrome, navigating the world with a loving mother, an absent father, and a life-long crush. Forty-five years of Jon's life are depicted in five minutes with no dialogue. The film is a joint production between Tonic DNA and L’Arche, featuring original music by Jordan Hart.
The short was revealed on World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, 2021. Following its release, the film received the 1st Prize award at the 38th Chicago International Children's Film Festival, making it an Oscar contender for the 94th Academy Awards.