Kirby's House
Documentary | 17 Minutes
Directed by Rob Viscardis
Producers: Rob Viscardis, Linda Viscardis
With helpful neighbours and a unique support network, Kirby, who has an intellectual disability, lives on his own and is thriving in his quaint small-town home.
Synopsis:
When 50-year-old Kirby moved out of the family home as a teen, his parents assumed that living in a group setting would suit him because of his intellectual disability. After many failed attempts, it became clear that Kirby just wanted to live on his own. For twenty years now he has been doing just that and thriving — in a quaint little house on a colourful small-town street, surrounded by affable neighbours and a unique support network that understands the power of community and belonging.
Watch the teaser:
This film is part of a mini-series called A New Story.
What is it?
This project seeks to change negative perceptions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through storytelling, we show what is possible when people challenge the common idea that disability is something to fix.
These stories showcase successes, achieved with vital support, as people design lives that bring them great personal fulfillment, despite facing discrimination and obstacles.
Request a screening:
(Virtual or in-person)
We will make it easy for you to host a screening in your community either at a public event or privately within your group or organization. Contact us for more information.
Take action!
Visit the A New Story Advocacy page to find advice and helpful tools to take action and help make more stories like this one come true.
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Press:
“Rob Viscardis sits down with POV to discuss his upcoming film Kirby’s House. The film is a short documentary about a man named Kirby who has an intellectual disability and lives happily on his own in Pembroke. With the support of Kirby’s neighbours, Viscardis discusses the importance of communities, how Kirby’s story came along, the way he worked with his family, and the inspiring message that comes across in his film. Kirby’s House will premiere at the ReFrame Film Festival in Peterborough, which runs Jan. 25 to Feb. 4.”
Trent Arthur – REFRAME REVIEW: KIRBY’S HOUSE
“I am glad that Kirby’s House exists and that Viscardis was there to capture these moments of ordinary life. I wish we lived in a world where a documentary about Kirby wasn’t tinged with the understanding that so many others do not have the same resources or opportunities. It is this understanding, however, which makes Kirby’s House such a poignant work.”
Today’s Emission with James Cullingham – Interview with Director Rob Viscardis – Trent Radio