Almost 20 years in the Making, Daruma Will come to theaters and streaming November 15, 2024
Day one of production on DARUMA. From left to right:
Kelli McNeil-Yellen (writer/producer), Bogie McYellen (wonder-pup); John W. Lawson (Robert); Tobias Forrest (Patrick); Alexander Yellen (Director / Cinematographer / Producer)
Authentic Representation in acton.
DARUMA is the first film in US cinematic history to star two authentically cast disabled leads in a narrative not about overcoming disability. Executive produced by Oscar winner Peter Farrelly (Green Book) DARUMA is coming to theaters and VOD November 15 for a weeklong run in seven major markets (NYC, LA, Chicago, DC, Minneapolis, Boston area and Atlanta). DARUMA has the support of numerous disability organizations including Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, EasterSeals, Disability Belongs, The Media Access Awards and others.
The film stars Tobias Forrest (a C-level quadriplegic), John W. Lawson (a double hand amputee), Abigail Hawk of CBS Blue Bloods and Barry Bostwick (Rocky Horror Picture Show) and tells a story that everyone can relate to, one about friendship, fatherhood, and found family.
Principal photography began in January of 2022 but work on the project began for writer/producer Kelli McNeil-Yellen in 2007 and for director/cinematographer Alexander Yellen in 2017. Both Toby and John were cast in their roles in 2018 after a nationwide casting search led them to the talented actors who breathe life into these seminal character.
After knocking on a countless number of doors to try and get the project made, the filmmaking team realized they'd have to forge a path to do it themselves in order to tell the story authentically.
Along the way the have found many supporters and fans, and indeed, a found family of their own.
The project is the recipient of the Panavision New Filmmaker’s Grant and of the Project ReFrame stamp of approval from Women in Film & The Sundance Institute,
The film has won accolades on the festival circuit including Best Actor awards for both leads and has been featured on numerous outlets including CNN, NBC LA, Fox NYC NY, Pix11 News, The Hollywood Reporter, LA Magazine, Deadline and more.
Most people only think about disability when they are confronted with it personally and even though persons with disabilities make up more than one quarter of the population, they are the least represented demographic in film and television.
DARUMA flips the tired old disability tropes on their heads and tells an engaging story that anyone can relate to.
Join us as we bring DARUMA to audiences around the country on November 15th, 2024.