TOLEDO, Ohio — A California film director with roots in northwest Ohio is inspiring viewers of his latest film to be more inclusive of people with disabilities.
Dan Watts is a film producer and director living in Los Angeles but was born in Cleveland and has extended family in Lima. He has plenty of experience in the business, having spent more than 18 years working for companies/individuals such as Columbia Pictures and Simon Cowell.
In 2022, Watts released an independently funded film titled "EVERYBODY DANCE," which aims to show how ballet has changed the lives of kids with disabilities.
"These families trusted me with their stories, but what it is is them," Watts said. "It's the kids and their parents telling their stories in their words. That to me is very poignant, because you're hearing it directly from someone."
One of the kids showcased in the film is the family of Ally Carter, who has autism and plays the piano.
Her mother, Jaimi Carter, says that although the film is focused more on the journey as dancers, the impact is still very significant in an inclusive way.
"He (Watts) had a genuine interest in exploring my daughter's story," said Carter. "It was not the easiest process to explain to a daughter who has autism, but he really took an interest and that made it easier."
Watts' overall goal with the film is to help create a world where everyone is more compassionate to those around them.
"Every day, we have the opportunity to be inclusive, to change the definition, to accept, to embrace. So why not? You know so many people are stuck with that old definition, and I'm hoping that this film will help break people away from that," he said.
April is Autism Awareness Month and the film is being offered for free to watch on Amazon Prime and Tubi.