Down Syndrome in Iceland :: Superpowers

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If you’ve had the privilege of spending some time with someone that has Down syndrome, you know there is something supernatural about them. There is an innate spirit that can forgive, love and accept others at a superpower level.
Yet, in some places around the world, the Down syndrome population is disappearing.

At the time of filming, pre-natal screenings in Iceland have led to a near 100% termination rate of fetuses when the possibility of Down syndrome is detected by the NIPT ("non-invasive pregnancy test,” a blood test widely encouraged and used in Iceland.)

While in Iceland, our three actresses with Down syndrome were welcomed warmly by Icelanders. Sources tell us that the Icelandic people are supportive of individuals with special needs.

This begs the question, why is Iceland on a mission to eliminate Down syndrome from its population?

How is the worth of a child determined?

If a child’s worth must be judged, judge based not on the merits of what they will or will not be able to do, nor the differences or challenges they may face.
Do not judge them for their superior ability to love and forgive.
Do not judge them if they grow up lacking words -they may have them in abundance though some cannot speak.
Though they may require surgery to fix an anomaly, do not judge their hearts that host an endless supply of passion and love.
If there must be judgment, may it always be solely on the worth assigned them by their Creator.
They were created for a purpose, just like you.

For more information on Down syndrome, please visit the following organizations:

Global Down Syndrome Foundation
https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/

National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)
https://www.ndsccenter.org/

National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
https://ndss.org/

Featured Talent:
Mia Armstrong (@count_mia_in)
Sofia Sanchez (@the.sofia.sanchez)
Mia Kackley
Kolfinna Kristny Jónsdóttir

Featured Singers:
Ellie Segal Blackburn
Emmalie Delaplane
Sullivan Smith

Creative Vision Concept / Story / Mia’s Mother:
Cara Armstrong

Producer/ Co-Director:
David Hessemer

Co-Director / DP:
Benjamin Edwards
https://benjaminedwardsphotography.com/

Words and Music by:
Emmalie Delaplane
Ellie Segal
Sullivan Smith

Dress Design:
https://dolorispetunia.com/

Grips:
Parker Edwards
Hayden Larson / Paragon Studios

Special Thanks:
Oaks Christian School Institute of Arts and Innovation Songwriting, Photo, and Film track students as well as the Institute of Engineering for their collaboration on this project.

Truenorth Film Productions, Reykjavik, Iceland
https://www.truenorth.is/

Kolfinna’s Mother: Gunnhildur Kristný Hafsteinsd
Mia’s Mother: Cara Armstrong
Sofia’s Mother: Jennifer Varanini

Gudmundur Armann

Media Contact: [email protected]
Video © Benjamin Edwards / Edwards Creative Group
Words and music © Ellie Segal Blackburn, Emmalie Delaplane, Sullivan Smith