Mr. Connolly Has ALS (2017)

A high school principal is embraced by his community as he continues to lead the school, despite rapidly losing his ability to walk and speak due to the debilitating effects of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Director:

Dan Habib

Writer:

Jody Becker (story editor)

1 win & 1 nomination.

Storyline

During his 14-year tenure at Concord High School, Principal Gene Connolly was known for his non-stop energy, his love of rock and roll, and the personal connections he made with many of the school's 1,600 students. However, in 2014, Connolly became known for something very different: the rapid loss of his ability to walk and speak due to the debilitating effects of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease). He joined approximately 12,000 other Americans living with ALS, which typically results in death within 2-5 years. At the school's 2015 homecoming parade, documentary filmmaker Dan Habib watched his son Samuel (a sophomore at Concord High) have a conversation with Connolly. But neither spoke. Samuel and Gene used hand gestures and communication devices- Samuel because of his cerebral palsy, and Connolly because ALS had taken away his ability to speak. "Mr. Connolly Has ALS" chronicles Connolly's final year as principal of the school and features CHS...

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Plot Keywords:

disability | als | 

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Genres:

Short

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User Reviews

Details

Official Sites:

Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 May 2017 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Concord, New Hampshire, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$60,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

DH Photography

Technical Specs

Runtime:

32 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

16:9 HD