Venture is thrilled to have played a role in the production of the upcoming indie movie I’m Afraid It’s Arlene, written by longtime Murphy House staff Myles Wren (and adapted from his stage play It Might Have Been).
The film explores the relationship between a young musician, DeAngelo (played by former Venture lifeguard Hervé Alexandre) and Arlene, an octogenarian resident of a group home for people with developmental disabilities. As they grow closer, DeAngelo learns Arlene’s heartbreaking story of her early life in an institution for the “feeble-minded” and how living in a place with limited stimulation, educational opportunities, and social isolation changed a young girl with minor physical disabilities into an adult with institutional developmental disabilities. The role of Arlene is beautifully played by Susan Gorman, who reprises her role from the original stage play.
The film mirrors the tragedy of so many lives ruined by the early-20th century practice of placing troublesome children into institutions such as Letchworth Village in Stony Point, NY. In the 1970s, these types of institutions were forced to close, and agencies like Venture stepped in to create loving and supportive group homes in the community. Many of Venture’s earliest residents were these children – now adults – who often found the years of neglect and abuse difficult to leave behind.
The film is a real Venture family affair. Along with writer Wren, other Venture staff involved with the production are Executive Producer Marie Pinset and Producers Guy Bien-Aime and Andre Clarke. Marie’s son, Chris Pinset is the director. Much of the production was filmed on location at Murphy House.
The film is currently being submitted to the festival circuit, and Wren hopes to schedule some local showings in the very near future. We’ll keep you posted!
Visit the film’s Facebook page for more information and to keep updated on this important project. https://www.facebook.com/ArlineFilm
