Deedah

“Deedah is the honest, heartwarming and often humorous account of a seven-year old girl's relationship with her six-year-old brother, who has Down syndrome, or as he calls it, "Up!" syndrome. Deedah is a documentary appropriate for all ages. The film is educational and encouraging, ideal for for expectant mothers and new mothers of children with Down syndrome, parents and siblings of children with Down syndrome,
elementary school teachers and their students, Pediatricians, nurses, geneticists and other care takers.” - DVD COVER

This delightful film focuses on the relationship between a brother and sister. She is seven years old and her name is Charlotte, or, as her brother prefers to call her Deedah. He is six years old, his name is Jonathan and he has Down’s syndrome. Jonathan refuses to call it Down’s syndrome…it is “Up” because he doesn’t like down!
Throughout the film we see both Charlotte and Jonathan leading their daily lives at home, at school and at play. Interspersed there is an interview going on; Charlotte talking about her brother, her feelings and thoughts regarding him and how others treat him. She thinks he is very smart.
“He may look different here (pointing to her face) and some people think he’s stupid, but inside he’s smart, very smart!”
Charlotte is very articulate and perceptive. She also makes a great older sister for Jonathan, looking after him, playing with him and not being afraid to tell him just how annoying he is at times.
The film shows clearly the deep bond between brother and sister which carries through in everything they do together. I found it delightful, especially Jonathan’s character. He is a punchy young man, ready to give just about anything a go (as long as it isn’t work), proud as can be when he succeeds, very loving and caring, and he thinks his sister is beautiful.
See this it is a little gem