EXCLUSIVE: Patrice: The Movie, a rare nonfiction film that can truly be described as a “documentary rom-com,” will bow on Hulu on September 30, following its world premiere this Sunday at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The film directed by Ted Passon (Philly D.A.) comes from ABC News Studios, in partnership with All Ages Productions and in association with ESS Projects and Cedar Road. It documents the relationship of a disabled couple – Patrice Jetter and the love of her life, Garry Wickham – and the dilemma they face that marriage equality does not extend to people with disabilities.
Patrice and Garry “want nothing more than to get married, but if they do — or even if they just move in together — the government benefits they need to survive would be cut,” notes a release about the film. “Despite the scrutiny they’re under, they decide to plan a commitment ceremony that could risk their entire future.”
The irrepressible Patrice exudes a sunny disposition despite recounting a difficult childhood that saw her ridiculed by school kids for being “different.” Those memories are recreated in theatrical interludes woven into the larger narrative. The release notes, “Patrice designed the sets for the recreations — which include her art — co-wrote the scripts and stars a cast of children with Patrice as the only adult, portraying herself at every age.”
Passon has known Patrice for 20 years, the TIFF program writes, “witnessing both her creativity and her battles against government bureaucracy.”
‘Patrice: The Movie’
ABC News Studios/Hulu
In a statement, the director said, “Everyone wants to find love. It’s not an easy thing in this world. If you are lucky enough to find the person you want to be with, but if you’re disabled and collect Social Security or Medicaid benefits, you have to choose between being with your partner and your own survival. Not only can’t you get married, but you can’t even live with your partner. And so the fight for true marriage equality in this country is not over.”
Passon added, “We’re so grateful that Patrice trusted us to share her story with the world. As a disabled person navigating this system, Patrice’s story is unfortunately very common. We’re telling a very ordinary story but through the lens of a person who is, herself, completely extraordinary. She is a true Renaissance woman. We can’t wait for the world to meet Patrice.”
Patrice: The Movie is produced by All Ages Productions in association with ESS Projects and Cedar Road for ABC News Studios. Ted Passon directs. The documentary is produced by Kyla Harris, Innbo Shim and Emily Spivack. Executive producers include Jim LeBrecht (Crip Camp), Jennifer J. Pritzker, Chandra Jessee, Rebecca Lichtenfeld, Poh Si Teng (St. Louis Superman), and Peter Kenney. Claire Weinraub is executive producer, and David Sloan is senior executive producer for ABC News Studios.
“The film strikes a well-judged balance,” TIFF’s chief documentary programmer Thom Powers writes, “between confronting systemic failures and foregrounding joy through the energy of Patrice and her friends. It’s a vital call to action that leads with care and love.”