Confronted with a world that too often limits the capabilities of people with Down syndrome, Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) carves her own path on the dance floor alongside cheerleading mate Hakim (Elijah Williams). If only her gran, played by The Diplomat’s Penny Downie, can let her fly free.
Boss Cat
Boss Cat
Director
Genevieve Clay-Smith
Runtime
99 Minutes
Country
Australia
Classification
All Ages
Twenty-three-year-old Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and must fight for her independence following the tragic loss of her mother. Distant grandmother, Doris (Penny Downie, The Crown), becomes the guardian to Sonja and her younger sister, Emma (Julia Savage, Blaze, SFF 2023). But when Doris tries to sell the family home and uproot their lives, Sonja defends her right to her home, lifestyle, friends and boyfriend, Michael (Chris Bunton, Nude Tuesday, SFF 2022). Inspired by her new friend Hakim (Elijah Williams), Sonja stands up to Doris by expressing herself through krumping, an energetic dance style that releases frustration. A stirring debut about individuality and independence.
“Feel good movie of the festival.”
Letterboxd
“Olivia Hargroder is pure sunshine.”
Letterboxd
Sydney
Melbourne
Film Credits
Director
Genevieve Clay-Smith
Year
2026
Country
Australia
Language
English
Type
Feature Fiction
Program Strand
Australian Independents
Producer
Dianna La Grassa, Eleanor Winkler & Michele Turnure-Salleo & Deanne Weir
Writer
Genevieve Clay-Smith & Mandela Mathia
Cinematographer
Kent Marcus
Editor
Adrian Rostirolla
Cast
Chris Bunton, Elijah Williams, Jessica Trueman, Julia Savage, Mandela Mathia, Olivia Hargroder & Penny Downie
Music
Emma Greenhill & Johnny Green
Film Source
Madman Entertainment
Genre
Activism, Dance, Disability, Family & Feel-Good
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