The documentary, Paxson: A Home in Common, features six men, ranging in age from 27 to 79, who share the personal challenges associated with living with mental disabilities. Director, Jacob Boelman, met the residents of the Paxson home nine years ago as a Direct Support Caregiver. Today, with the talents of cinematographer Keenan Goodman, Boelman wants to share their exceptional story with others. Honing their skills through the University of Montana’s Digital Film Program and successfully broadcasting their previous documentary, Mary Rose, on Montana PBS has prepared Boelman and Goodman for this ambitious endeavor.
The subjects, along with their families and caregivers, have joined together to make this feature-length documentary possible. Through his nine years of employment at the Paxson group home, Boelman has discovered the intimate qualities of these characters’ story. Boelman and Goodman have already logged long hours both filming and editing. Their goals in making this documentary are to bring light to the struggling special needs support industry, to share with others the joys and struggles these roommates walk with every day, and to entrust to you the beautiful life lessons they have entrusted to the filmmakers.
The film is not yet done, but 12,000 dollars will cover the project’s remaining production and post-production costs. Your donations will allow Boelman and Goodman to finish filming and editing, purchase necessary equipment, acquire music licenses, and submit the finished doc to film festivals across the country. A more detailed breakdown of their costs can be found on the project’s Kickstarter page.
“The clients are my friends, Paxson is like a second home” Boelman says about the project. “I want to share their story. We just need to reach an audience.”
Contact Information:
Jacob Boelman
filmboel@gmail.com
406-274-4558
