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
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.