This film is part of Free
A Day in the Life of Kevin Donnellon
An episode of World in Action documenting the life of 11 year old Kevin and how he and his family live with the effects of the drug Thalidomide.
Overview
A documentary capturing a day in the life of 11 year old Kevin, one of around four hundred children in Britain who were dealing with the effects of thalidomide. We follow him getting ready for the day ahead, during school hours, and then at home in the evening. Featuring interviews with both Kevin and his mother on how the family are adapting his disability and the challenges it can present in everyday life. Kevin’s mother presents a compelling account of the personal and financial strains she has faced. Without significant intervention from the UK Government, she is pessimistic for Kevin’s future.
This report indicates the significant impact Pauline Skelly, head teacher at Dovecot Primary School, had on a number of thalidomide children in the Merseyside area. Kevin went on to complete a university degree and now works as a freelance lecturer and disability consultant. He was involved in the making of the BBC programme Thalidomide: The Fifty Year Fight (2004).
Related
The End The End
Science Fiction 2011 24 mins
A moving speculation on the future decline of Deaf culture
Smallest Woman in the World Smallest Woman in the World
News 1972 8 mins Location: Bromsgrove
Living in a world that makes no concessions for her size: Joyce Carpenter is Britain's smallest woman.
Trapped Rhythms Trapped Rhythms
Music video 2016 4 mins
Powerful music video that demands respect for difference.
Education of the Deaf Education of the Deaf
Documentary 1946 51 mins Location: Manchester
A brisk look at the tests and education practices for deaf people in 1940s
Resistance Resistance
Drama 2008 13 mins
Artist-activist Liz Crow's haunting film about the Nazis' Aktion-T4 programme during World War Two. In 1939 Germany, a secret institution has sinister plans for its disabled inmates.
Artificial Limb Making Artificial Limb Making
Non-Fiction 1916 1 mins Silent
Occupational therapy turns full circle, as amputee soldiers learn to make artificial limbs for others
Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.
Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.
Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.
Gabriel Yared on composing for film Gabriel Yared on composing for film
Inside Film 2013 11 mins
Composer of The Lives of Others, The English Patient and Betty Blue on intimacy and experimentation.
Lois Burwell on movie makeup Lois Burwell on movie makeup
Inside Film 2013 17 mins
Lincoln, Braveheart and Magnolia make-up artist Lois Burwell explains how she created some of her most iconic looks, as part of a BAFTA Masterclass.
Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass) Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass)
2013 61 mins
British cinematographer of The Hurt Locker, Captain Phillips, Hillsborough and Riff Raff reviews the art of the moving image.