Directing

Michael Joseph McDonald

Michael Joseph McDonald is a filmmaker and writer whose work explores disability, belonging and the relationships between individuals and their communities. His films include the documentary short 6,000 Waiting (2021), which he wrote, directed and edited, and the animated short Freebird (2021). McDonald’s international documentary work includes As I Am, a series developed in collaboration with pe…

Known For

Freebird

Freebird · 2021

Freebird is the coming-of-age story of Jon, a boy with Down Syndrome who learns to navigate the world with a loving mother, an absent father, a classroom bully, and a life-long crush. In just five minutes, we watch 45 years of his life flash by.

6,000 Waiting

6,000 Waiting · 2021

MovieDocumentary

Three Georgians with cerebral palsy fight to live life on their own terms. But as their families bind together, state policy tries to tear them apart.

Filmography

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Freebird

Freebird · 2021

Freebird is the coming-of-age story of Jon, a boy with Down Syndrome who learns to navigate the world with a loving mother, an absent father, a classroom bully, and a life-long crush. In just five minutes, we watch 45 years of his life flash by.

Director

6,000 Waiting

6,000 Waiting · 2021

MovieDocumentary

Three Georgians with cerebral palsy fight to live life on their own terms. But as their families bind together, state policy tries to tear them apart.

Director