Feature Documentary Film (In development)

Patrick Lydon, visionary social pioneer, trailblazing champion of ‘ability’, has Motor Neurone Disease. While facing his latest battle, we view the world through his lens.

Patrick’s life is ebbing away. Having trail-blazed the emergence in Ireland of the radically inclusive Camphill movement, supporting people with ‘disabilities’, established five residential communities, Ireland’s first eco-village, an inclusive arts centre, a concert hall and a unique café, all in Co. Kilkenny, he has, at seventy, now got MND. But illness hasn’t diminished the charm, warmth and wit of this remarkable American who, in 1972, walked away from a career in rock journalism with youthful ideals, and a gift for seeing potential in people and situations, and joined Ireland’s first Camphill Community. Undiminished also is his dream of a society where all are guaranteed participation as citizens, regardless of race, creed, gender or intellectual ability.

We’ll spend intimate time with Patrick, hearing his account of a truly remarkable life: tender, highly entertaining, packed with great moments and driven by an extraordinarily cohesive and radical worldview. His story, spanning many decades and continents, and covering the history of the worldwide Camphill movement, will be richly illuminated by diverse archive, in much of which he appears. This account will, in counterpoint, be interwoven with the unfolding observation, from unusually close access, of his final year of life – his beautiful marriage, place in the community, love affair with plants, and the race to see out his final visionary project – two Inclusive Neighbourhoods in the small town of Callan.

We will be left with provocative questions and insights, relevant everywhere – on the nature of community, ability and ‘disability’, citizenship and participation, where art comes from, personal fulfilment and success – and with many memorable moments and intriguing propositions.

Born That Way will be colourful, diverse, tender and thought-provoking cinema, framed by the eloquent reflections of an extraordinary man in the fading light.

Director: Éamon Little / Producers: Adrian McCarthy, Éamon Little 

In Development with Screen Ireland.

A Curious Dog Films Production.