The local arts and culture scene on the Treasure Coast has always been a beacon for powerful storytelling, and this year’s Vero Beach Film Festival was no exception. Taking home the highly coveted Jury Award for Best Short Documentary, filmmaker Harrison Buck’s latest 20-minute project, Dragon Mom, is capturing the hearts of local residents and film enthusiasts alike.
The emotional documentary shines a light on Laura Will and her six-year-old son, Alden Nicholson. Alden lives with polymicrogyria, a severe and life-limiting brain malformation that significantly impacts his ability to move and speak. Despite these tremendous physical hurdles, the film beautifully captures the duo’s shared passion for the outdoors—specifically, their unique approach to skiing.
Through the use of an adaptive sit-ski, Alden is able to experience the thrilling independence of gliding down the slopes. Will stands at the back of the apparatus, expertly guiding and controlling his speed, allowing her son to fully immerse himself in the joy of the snow and nature. Seeing the sheer happiness that nature brings to her son helped Will shift her own mindset away from tragedy.
“When you first are told you’re going to have a severely disabled child, there are so many different dreams that die, and then you have to figure out how to remake them.”
The poignant title of the film stems from a 2011 essay by Emily Rapp, which redefined the term to describe parents who fiercely love and care for children with terminal or life-limiting diagnoses. Instead of preparing a child for a long, traditional future, a “dragon mom” ensures their child’s days are filled with maximum dignity, minimal discomfort, and fierce, loyal love.
Key highlights from the award-winning documentary include:
- Adaptive Outdoor Adventures: Showcasing how specialized equipment like the sit-ski brings joy and accessibility to those with severe physical limitations.
- Everyday Triumphs: Intimate glimpses into Alden’s daily life, from navigating the playground to communicating through a specialized device and bonding with his family dog.
- Changing Perspectives: A powerful message aimed at shifting societal views on disability, reminding viewers that Alden is not defined by his condition, but is simply a sweet young boy who happens to live with a disability.
Taking to social media to celebrate the film’s success at the Vero Beach Film Festival, Will expressed her gratitude to the local community and viewers, noting that Alden is a teacher to us all. For Indian River County residents who appreciate profound, community-enriching cinema, Dragon Mom serves as a beautiful reminder of fierce parental love and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.
