Red Button is a groundbreaking approach to storytelling where young documentary subjects turn the camera on themselves to break down the misconceptions, prejudices or stereotypes they face. Each episode, which range in length from 7-17 minutes, focuses on one young person who gives us an unflinchingly honest portrayal of their life. Inspired by today’s culture of self-documentation, the storytellers are given a smartphone, lightweight audio, and camera gear, and a one-on-one media production workshop to learn the basics of filmmaking.
Like most 18-year-olds, Jadine wants to experience the freedom of adulthood and is thinking about leaving the comforts of home. Jadine lives with Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair. She has been cared for by her Mom and siblings her whole life. She boldly takes the first steps towards independence by packing up and moving out to spend three weeks away from her family at an independent living camp, to learn some of the skills she’ll need to succeed on her own.
17-year-old Taryn is a competitive dancer, rock climbing instructor and honour roll student. Taryn was born with Treacher Collins syndrome. She lives with hearing impairment and a facial difference. While active, positive and ambitious, Taryn puts pressure on herself to succeed. She feels she has something prove and isn't going to let her facial difference stop her. Taryn documents her day-to-day life including a charity fashion event where she walks the runway with twelve other models who also have facial differences.
Tosconni is a transgender man who suffers from anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Feeling unwelcome, he left home at the age of 17 and now lives in a shelter for LGBTQ youth. Tosconni makes the trip back to his hometown and opens up about the darker days he experienced as a teen struggling with gender identity and self-harm. But things are changing For Tosconni - he’s starting to feel joy for being given a space to live his true self, and wants to give hope to others that they can have the same.
15-year-old Abbigail is a young carer to her twin brother Andrew. Andrew has Tourette syndrome and a severe mood disorder. Because of his illness, Andrew experiences uncontrollable tics and outbursts. Abbigail helps to care for him, making sure he takes his medication and watching over him to help keep him safe, all while trying to live a “normal” teenager’s life.
Holly’s life has been severely impacted by mental illness. She experiences symptoms of psychosis, which have delayed her academic progress and separated her from her friends. Much of her time is spent with doctors trying to find the cause of her psychosis. She feels frustrated and can’t always express her thoughts with words. But Holly has learned to manage the darkness through her art, which has become a place of solace and a source of empowerment.
Damion is a 17-year-old cancer survivor who lives a quiet and isolated life. The radiation treatment he received at the age of 8 left him with physical and emotional scars. Damion finds a sense of purpose through a service dog-training program offered at his high school. His story shows us how the love and companionship of an animal can help a person navigate through life
