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"What sets our film apart is not only that it stars and is told from the perspective of someone with Down syndrome, but that it does so with fun and humor! There's enough sadness in the world.
I'd like to think that people with diff-abilities will walk away feeling empowered to express themselves and challenge their environment and those without will question what they've understood about both the capabilities and desires of our friends and family with Down syndrome." - Roderick E. Stevens II
Speaking Engagements
Award winning Writer/Director Roderick E. Stevens II has spoken at numerous screenings, film festivals, schools and conferences around the country. His varied life experiences bring a fun and entertaining voice to his presentation and include over 25 years working in film (18 on this passion project) and 40 years being hounded by his brother Andy to teach him how to drive.
L to R - Connor Long, Caleb Dyksray, Andy Stevens, Roderick Stevens
"Roderick and Connor's portrayal of Michael incorporates typical behaviors characterstic of someone with Down syndrome without being stereotypical. It's the difference between someone who gets it and someone who's Googled it." - Mardra Sikora
Our Theatrical World Premiere - Oct 9th, 2016
Our Theatrical World Premiere was held at The Loft Cinema in Tucson, Az. on October 9th, 2016.
Greeted by a packed house (500 seats) !
Learning to Drive was greeted by a nearly packed house - in a 500 seat theater! Aside from our active efforts to pre-sell tickets, the theater themselves sold nearly 100 seats at the box-office on the day of!
We held two screenings; one at 3:00 pm was invitiation only and included many from service providers and day programs in the area, and one at 4:45 that was open to the public. Between the two, over 600 people saw Learning to Drive that day!
An enthusiastic 45 min Q&A afterwards!
At the end of the screening, the audience spent 45 minutes querying Director Roderick E. Stevens as well as award winning actors Connor Long and Kevin Coubal about the process of developing and producing Learning to Drive!
Cast and Crew took to the stage.
After the film, Director, Roderick E. Stevens invited many of the cast and crew on stage and introduced them.
Star, Connor Long autogrpahed posters.
Always the trooper (and self promoter), award-winning actor and renown self-advocate Connor Long autographed posters for fans and co-sponsors of the event!
Caleb takes a break with Bruce (the car).
Caleb plays our Young Michael and was one of the stars of the event in Tucson!
Roderick, Andy, Caleb and Connor on stage.
At one point Director, Roderick E Stevens brought his brother Andy, the inspiration for the film, along with actors Connor Long and Caleb Dykstra who both played Michael, the character based on Andy.
Wake Up Joel performed an acoustic set.
The band Wake Up Joel recently won an award for their songs in the Learning to Drive soundtrack and were at the premiere performing an acoustic set before and after the screenings!
Director and cast pose in front of the marquee.
The film was a hit and the event an enthusiastic success!
The poster in the lobby. Makes it official!
The film was a hit and the event an enthusiastic success!
Roderick and Andy pose by the poster.
The film was a hit and the event an enthusiastic success!
Did we mention a NEARLY PACKED HOUSE?
Learning to Drive was greeted by a nearly packed house - in a 500 seat theater! Aside from our active efforts to pre-sell tickets, the theater themselves sold nearly 100 seats at the box-office on the day of!