2022 BURLINGTON COUNTY SHORT FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
Dan the Man is a short documentary focusing on a young man, Dan Rosania, with Down Syndrome. Dan, his family, and his friends discuss what an important role sports play in Dan’s life, and how he has overcome his struggles through athletics and staying true to himself.
Young Writer-Director Drew Rosania, Dan’s brother, brings this film to life in an attempt to spread awareness on Down Syndrome and the effect that it has on the world–but more importantly, Drew wants the world to see how wonderful and resilient his brother is. He does well bringing this story to life, and Dan the Man, clearly expresses the sentiments that Drew hoped it would–but I’m struggling to understand whether or not this story was needed in the form of a film.
While the purpose of Dan the Man is beautiful, touching, and relevant–I believe that this topic would have been better expressed by way of a podcast (even a video podcast if absolutely necessary). I’m not sure that film was the right medium. There were some moments of comedy present in the film, and I understand that sometimes seeing Dan on screen may lend itself well to viewers appreciating the story, but what ultimately makes the film successful is the series of testimonies from family members and friends of Dan. This could have been accomplished with just audio–but the video exists, adding a dimension that is unnecessary.
With all of that being said–one can’t help but feel good when watching Dan the Man. Here’s Dan, a young man struggling with the unfathomable, and yet he goes through life with the most positive of attitudes. Seeing him go through life with this mentality, doing whatever he can to make himself happy, provides viewers with a better understanding of their own lives. We look at ourselves and often struggle to see the beauty in our lives–or we are hypercritical of the small inconveniences that we face, but Dan the Man, whether intentional or not, allows us to question the way we go about life. We must ask ourselves why we act the way we do regarding those inconveniences, and why we struggle the way in which we do. This is powerful–and it reaches viewers clearly. Taking it a step further, Dan the Man allows viewers to better appreciate themselves and all that they have.
Dan the Man serves a massive purpose, but, again, I’m not sure that the visuals are needed in order for Drew to get his brother’s story across. As previously mentioned, an article, a podcast, or something without a video component would likely have been enough to get this message and story to viewers. Drew is clearly motivated by Dan, and the passion he has for his family is brilliant–this all shines brightly throughout Dan the Man. I’m impressed by the Rosania family’s vigor, and you’re guaranteed to like Dan the Man, but my issue with the film remains regardless.
Directed by Drew Rosania.
Starring Dan Rosania, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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