He’s charming and incredibly brilliant, and his movie, Where Hope Grows, not only made its way into theatres, but into hearts nationwide, including my own.
Meet Chris Dowling. Born in the small town of Flowood, Missippi and raised in Northern Dallas, Chris eventually made his way to Los Angeles and even did some acting, but ultimately his heart was with writing and directing. “It’s been a long haul over the last 15 years, but I’ve been pretty fortunate to do what I love,” says Chris.
His latest project, Where Hope Grows was in theaters last May and June and will be available on DVD on August 11. It’s about an alcoholic father and former baseball player whose professional career was cut short. As life threw a curveball, it also threw in a lesson of faith and courage after befriending a grocery store clerk with Down syndrome. “It was not only an incredible experience as a director, but as a human. I loved it.”
Chris took a moment to talk with us about the film.
What sparked you to create Where Hope Grows?
I find the idea of “childlike faith” to be so interesting. On the surface, it sounds so simple, but to be introduced to it as an adult – that’s a tough thing. We are so analytical and can’t help but get in the way of ourselves. I wanted to write a story of man meeting child-like faith for the first time and how it changes his world. It made sense that the bearer of this child-like faith could be an individual with Down syndrome.
What can viewers expect from Where Hope Grows?
We deal with a lot of topics in the film – primarily addiction, broken relationships and special needs – so there are pieces of the characters and their journeys that affect almost everyone who watches. We were honored to win the Audience Award at the Heartland Film Festival and we have seen that audience engagement play out in the theaters as well. It’s the type of film that sticks with you for a few days…weeks…hopefully a lifetime.
What are you most proud of when it comes to the movie?
The Hollywood Reporter said that we are the first American film to have an actor with Down syndrome as a lead. The way that the special needs community has embraced the film is overwhelming and humbling. That’s the best. I mean, we’re reaching broad, general audiences that are loving it, but it goes to the next level for families and individuals that have Down syndrome in their lives. We are giving them a hero on screen like they’ve never seen. Working with David was such a joy. He’s still my boy to this day. We text, talk and have traveled the U.S. together.
Any upcoming projects we can look forward to?
I have a documentary that I’m producing with Alex Lehmann called Aspergers Are Us. It’s about the first comedy troupe where all the players are on the autism spectrum. It’s a beautiful coming-of-age film. I can’t wait to get it out there.
I just finished a script with the band For King & Country that starts shooting in August. I’m currently writing another commissioned project in the faith world.
Where Hope Grows comes out August 11 on DVD and on August 25 on Blu Ray through Lionsgate. For more information, follow the movie on facebook at www.facebook.com/wherehopegrows or Aspergers are Us at www.facebook.com/aspiecomedydoc.
photos by Tom LeGoff