AMBER AND ME
2020 | Dir Ian Davies | 59mins | 
UK
Amber has Down’s Syndrome and is about to start primary school with her twin sister, Olivia. Although at first her experience is positive, she starts to struggle and asks to stay at home. Olivia tries to help her sister with her school work, in the knowledge that if the situation doesn’t improve, Amber may have to go to a different school.
The film follows the challenges for both girls through 4 years of primary school and charts the changes in their relationship, uniquely from their own perspectives.
Amber and Me is directed by their father Ian Davies. Ian has worked on several documentaries and fiction features before as a producer / consultant. This is his first film as a director. Listen to the family being interviewed on the BBC R4 Today programme here.
The David Lean Cinema shares a proportion of the ticket price with the distributor when purchased via the link on this page. Following purchase you will receive an email with a viewing link. This will include the option of viewing a recorded Q&A session following the film.
Distributor: Amber Content – no account required.
“…one of the most touching portrayals of childhood you’re ever likely to see.” Isobel James, The Mail on Sunday.
“A beautiful, tender portrait of childhood.” Rachel Wexler, Producer of Emmy award-winning film The English Surgeon.
Mark Kermode reviews the film on 5Live’s Film Review Programme (with Simon Mayo) here.
The original release of Amber and Me was to be theatrically released in March 2020 but had to be pulled because of the pandemic. It is now released to virtual cinemas on World Down’s Syndrome Day on 21 March 2021. More information on this film and an interview with the film maker can be seen at the Down’s Syndrome Association website.