For Once In My Life PBS Documentary

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2011/02/01 - Updated: 2024/08/22
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Films, Radio and TV - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Inspiring documentary showcases a unique band with disabilities and their journey to show the world the greatness within them. The film follows the band members, all of whom are program participants at Goodwill Industries of South Florida (Miami), as their determination, talent and dedication takes them from the rehearsal room first learning an instrument, then learning to play together as a group to the concert stage.

Introduction

For Once In My Life is an inspiring, expectation-defying look at the Spirit of Goodwill band, a unique assembly of 28 singers and musicians, all with disabilities ranging from autism and behavioral disorders to cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, and visual impairments who share an uncanny gift for music, joy and friendship.

The film follows the band members, all of whom are program participants at Goodwill Industries of South Florida (Miami), as their determination, talent and dedication takes them from the rehearsal room first learning an instrument, then learning to play together as a group to the concert stage. For Once In My Life premiered on the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning PBS series Independent Lens, hosted by America Ferrera, Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at 10 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

Main Content

For Once In My Life offers a behind-the-scenes look as the band members are discovered by Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and music impresario Emilio Estefan and invited to perform at the 2007 U.S. Mayor's Convention, which was held in Miami. Most of the members never played an instrument before, and those who did had never before played in a band, so they faced many challenges as well as musical successes, and the journey was a test of patience and compassion as they prepared for a concert of a lifetime.

Viewers will witness intimate scenes of the band members' families and homes. Some of those featured include a pianist, Christian, who is blind and autistic; lead singer Terry, who never fully recovered from being dropped by his father when he was 14 months old; and drummer Sam, whose development was stunted by his mother's efforts to hide her pregnancy.

Filled with joy, humor and tough love, For Once In My Life provides an eye-opening look at the tremendous potential people with disabilities possess, and the power of music to transform and enrich lives. Listening to the Spirit of Goodwill band in performance, viewers will realize that the members' disabilities don't define who they are.

"For Once In My Life delivers a poignant message that also gets at the heart of Goodwill's mission," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "We all share dreams and aspirations for a life lived in full, and, given the proper opportunities, we can accomplish amazing things."

For Once In My Life has won audience awards at the South by Southwest, Nashville, Sarasota and Heartland film festivals, the Jury Award at the Sonoma and Port Townsend Film Festival, and the Music Impact Award at the Nashville Film Festival.

"For Once In My Life provides a message that is consistent with Goodwill's philosophy: the people we serve have the same potential and warts that we all possess," said Dennis Pastrana, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of South Florida. "The inspiring film is a rallying point for the 54 million Americans with disabilities who should be given the opportunity to do amazing things."

To learn more about the film, visit the For Once In My Life interactive companion web site which features detailed information on the film, including an interview with the filmmaker and links and resources pertaining to the film's subject matter. The site also features a Talk-back section, where viewers can share their ideas and opinions, preview clips of the film, and more.

Independent Lens is an Emmy-Award-winning weekly series airing on PBS. The acclaimed anthology series features documentaries and a limited number of fiction films united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement, and unflinching visions of their independent producers.

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.