John and Michael (2004)

John and Michael (2004) poster

A gentle tale of love told in halting words. A film about healing after profound loss. John and Michael pays homage to two men with Down's syndrome who shared an intimate and profoundly loving relationship that deeply affected the filmmaker. Animated with clay backlit on glass, the film shimmers like stained glass in motion. Narrator Brian Davis, also intellectually challenged, brings the men alive with great sensitivity. The audience shares in the various emotions that infuse their everyday living. John and Michael, by its artistry, rises above society's traditional ideas around disability, sexuality and death. When the heart is touched, differences melt. Love is what defines humanity.

Director: Shira Avni
Genre: Animation, Romance, Drama
Runtime: 10 min
Release Date:

Cast

Music: Karla Schickele, Daniel Littleton
Production: ONF | NFB
Country: Canada
Language: English
Original Language: en

Themes

LGBT Identity and Love Struggle, LGBTQ+ Stories

Keywords

down syndrome, based on true story, lgbt, gay theme, short film

More Films by Director: Shira Avni
More Films in Genre: Animation, Romance, Drama

Frequently Asked Questions

What is John and Michael about?
A gentle tale of love told in halting words. A film about healing after profound loss. John and Michael pays homage to two men with Down's syndrome who shared an intimate and profoundly loving relationship that deeply affected the filmmaker. Animated with clay backlit on glass, the film shimmers like stained glass in motion. Narrator Brian Davis, also intellectually challenged, brings the men alive with great sensitivity. The audience shares in the various emotions that infuse their everyday living. John and Michael, by its artistry, rises above society's traditional ideas around disability, sexuality and death. When the heart is touched, differences melt. Love is what defines humanity.
Who directed John and Michael?
John and Michael was directed by Shira Avni.
Who stars in John and Michael?
John and Michael stars Brian Davis.
How long is John and Michael?
John and Michael has a runtime of 10m (10 minutes).
What genre is John and Michael?
John and Michael is a Animation, Romance, Drama film.
Where was John and Michael produced?
John and Michael was produced in Canada.
What are the themes of John and Michael?
The themes of John and Michael include: LGBT Identity and Love Struggle, LGBTQ+ Stories.