Sci-Fi Fantasy Short Film "Downside Up" | DUST

To highlight Down Syndrome Awareness Month we present "Downside Up". Downside Up reveals a world in which everyone has Down’s syndrome. One day, Eric is born, a boy who’s different.
"Downside Up" by Peter Ghesquiere
"Downside Up" Credits:
Director: Peter Ghesquière
Screenplay: Peter Ghesquière, Nicolas Daenens, Jochen Decostere, Kobe van Steenberghe
Dir. of Photography: Robrecht Heyvaert
Music: Hannes de Maeyer
Editor: Jochen Decostere, Toon Mertens, Kobe van Steenberghe
Art Director: Stijn Verhoeven
Producer: Hendrik Verthé, Kobe van Steenberghe
Production: A Team Productions
Coproduction: Theater Stap & Caviar
Cast: Milo Huyghebaert, Nico Sturm, Tineke van Haute, Peter Janssen, Paul Mertens
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DUST presents thought-provoking science fiction content, exploring the future of humanity through the lens of science and technology. From timeless classics to cutting-edge movies, series, short films, and podcasts, DUST acquires, produces and distributes all content types.
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[@jakeromanshorts6011]

I’m someone who works and lives near people with Down syndrome quite often, and the narrator matches their patterns of speech perfectly. I’m unsure if he’s an actor or has the condition, but he clearly communicated the premise with his voice long before any of the strong clues that were given.

[@jledgerton]

Brilliant! Beautiful! Touching! Bravo!

[@kanaancfc]

Thank you. I'm at my 28 years of age this year, and my whole life I have lived with my dear Uncle "Paulinho" as we - and himself - call him. He's an angel, like many we see in this film, and today he has 62 years. He's such a kind and pure soul, always smiling, and yes, hugging! I love him my whole heart and maybe that's why this movie made me tear up. My most sincere and warm hugs to the amazing cast of this short movie. I Loved it. May all those "Paulinhos" (he says that when he sees another one who has down syndrome) live happy, long and amazing lives.

[@joaopedro-qd5ku]

Are you brazilian?

[@mbunds]

Simply wonderful!

[@PhilJonesIII]

"But luckily, knots were still very tricky." Heart in mouth moment just before that.

[@clairevanes6344]

blown. away.

[@carla.n.5078]

Bruh, why hasn't anyone done this before?! This is ingenious method to utilize a group of people often seen as "less desirable" by society. They did a marvelous job in this and proves that they can act just as well. Hollywood, get your shit together!

[@txDDS]

Twilight zone did it 50yrs ago.

[@JiYongDijkhuis]

I think the TV series Life Goes On also helped with the acceptance.

[@rodicapopescu2038]

@@txDDS since then humanity is constantly regressing ..no matter we now look perfect on the outside, is the inside that counts !! the more perfect we are on the outside, the less we are on the inside

[@Demun1649]

Hollywood won't touch them. God's Angels, a common name for Down's Syndrome in Britain, are just too good for that factory of debased trash.

[@roccov3614]

@@txDDS I remember that episode. Although Down Syndrome as a condition is more relatable than a fictional deformity.

[@itskrill]

absolutely fantastic

[@garlicbread5522]

Bro joined the wrong server

[@Noguko_N10110]

set his servers to a different region 😂

[@saltyfish7626]

W comment🤑

[@koshiamusic]

I love this masterpiece and really need soundtrack of this.

[@Temp0raryName]

The attempt to cure him, with the concrete block, and the resulting failure, had me in stitches! Great video.

[@DaveHefty]

Yes but it’s very dark. We don’t have the best track record treating and caring for people with mental and physical differences. Actually even today parents can test for DS while pregnant to decide whether to keep it. (Might be different after Roe vs Wade reversal).

[@DynamicSeq]

Yes..That was pure gold...

[@grimmmm]

Lmfao yeah he was the only one who knew how to tie knots 💀 they just wrapped it around him. That's funny as shit.

[@pelinoregeryon6593]

Honestly I was sat there expecting the guy who dropped the block to get dragged over instead, having tied the wrong rope to him, too many Road Runner cartoons during my developmental years skewing my expectations may be to blame 😉

[@DeathnoteBB]

It was dark. Even just autistic kids, often associated with or comorbid with DS, get “cured” with being drowned. It’s less funny and more a commentary that seems to go over people’s heads unless they’re already in the know

[@HellionRictus]

this ruled. thanks

[@jhill4874]

Having a sibling with Downs I was absolutely fascinated by this film. OMG!

[@zachlang4880]

I wish KZbin had an Awards system like Reddit did, this would definitely get the Platinum

[@MatveyMotion]

A world filled with ranked teammates

[@yasa108]

Lmao

[@asistolica4099]

This was absolutely lovely to watch!! Loved the fish metaphor (whatever happened to the fish in the end?)

[@aqua3890]

Thanks for saying!! I didn't notice the metaphor

[@Rippypoo]

I'm assuming that "No fish were harmed in the making of this film."

[@rodicapopescu2038]

i hope the big fish in the very ssmall bowl, didn't die...!!?

[@Twittler1]

No worries about the CGI fish. Fish generally, carp (goldfish are (several) types of carp) especially, will only grow to the maximum size their environment can support. This depends on three things; the volume of their environment, and how many of them share it (and how many other creatures are around who also need space and resources), and the available quantity of the resources needed for survival. They’re much better at it than we humans are.

[@TONE11111]

@@aqua3890 he was "a fish out of water"

[@RJ-bn5uw]

It's Groovy , it's switched on , it's smashing ! ! !

[@indonesianguy4026]

I'm more surprised by the fact that this society even managed to still function if at all

[@CyclicMac]

I would be so down with hanging out with like 100 of these dudes and becoming their god

[@ik04]

Finally, something original and worthwhile! This must have been a unique experience making this film. These folks will remember this forever. Bravo!

[@subadhraina2886]

A beautiful short

[@FredLarracuente]

As the father of 4, one a special needs child, this is absolutely lovely story. Our family wouldn't be the same without him. I came to the conclusion that God send him to us to love and be loved.

[@RyanArmstrong-x6e]

Outstanding love it

[@websitesthatneedanem]

Totally worth the HUGE amount of effort put into the film! WELL DONE ALL! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@jx4864]

This file is golden

[@Jasmine-cc8ut]

This made me tear up in public, lol. Charming film.

[@ismailtjenk5463]

I can repeat 10 times and it doesnt be boring

[@donnyabner8446]

This was really well done and I even laughed out loud when 'Knots were still difficult."

[@gurayborek9755]

Perfect movie..thanks

[@TamTran-vw7zm]

As one who married a disabled girl, and as a writing, literature, and creative writing teacher, this is outstanding, both as story and as metaphor. It ticks all the boxes in 12 minutes. Well done, you.

[@70stunes71]

Tam.. having my heart in the right place, I met this girl who worked in a convenience store and was just Charming. She was definitely challenged but I felt a connection there. I was even afraid to initiate a conversation about her personal life, but when I did, I discovered she was actually married and had young children. I felt a little silly, but then super happy. Someone else had discovered what I already knew.. she was indeed someone special:-) I also learned something about life that day. We can never assume. Life really always does.. find a way

[@xslowday6850]

You people fit right in with them that’s sick

[@rufatubes]

It's so incredible wholesome!! It's a masterpiece 💛😊👍

[@BatMan-oe2gh]

@@xslowday6850 What a nasty comment. You are not a nice person at all.

[@cypherglitch]

For years I volunteered to looked after disabled children by taking them out on week long camp, going to the zoo, etc. I LOVED it, they were so funny, have so much to teach us. "Nomal" people always saw it as "we have alot to teach them", they did not to stop to see we have much to learn from them.

[@brunneng38]

The scariest episode of Black Mirror.

[@billyandrew]

*THIS!* 👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️ No bells and whistles, just life from an alternative viewpoint, hence the film's title. It's a rarity...a film that enriches the heart and soul of the viewer and I didn't want it to end. Kudos of the highest level to everyone involved!

[@republish368]

VERY ORIGINAL way to show what can a DIFFERENT MAN do in the world! DOwn Actors was VERY VERY NICE, in fact they made the DIFFEERENCE in this VID! VERY NICE VIDEO!

[@tyujivulpus]

WOW!! A refreshing tale about EVERYONE

[@bwang4005]

as someone who works with developmentally disabled adults, some of whom have down syndrome, this story is absolutely wonderful. someone being different isn't bad, they can still make the world a good place ❤️

[@gailmrutland6508]

*Hysterical*

[@frankgruendel2286]

Every couple of decades you come across a film you won't forget for the rest of your life. This is one of them. Thank you all!

[@quackerjacks]

Agreed.

[@wardred7060]

I completely agree.

[@jcrogers3854]

Beautiful

[@3789gaz]

Humbling, thought provoking and an absolute joy to watch. If I could nominate this for an award, I would! A serious wake-up call on so many levels.

[@echospaw899]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Some pretty funny parts... heh heh

[@amgwes]

Imagine all the grill cheeses made on set.

[@Ernzt8]

Brilliant!

[@rjrunlikehell2366]

As a man with several different physical disabilities, I find this absolutely creative and metaphorically masterful. It’s a breathtaking piece of work.

[@stuartspratley1418]

wonderful - thanks to all involved

[@blacksiddha]

That was amazing. To see this perspective and coupled with the small things such as the parking lot markings, people staring made this one of the best..if not THE best Dust film I've watched (and I think I've watched them all)

[@nav3346]

That was some electric state/Tales from the loop looking hospital and I love it!

[@janyap399]

Plot twist: The normal couples baby came out with downsyndrome 😊

[@reecehigh1]

This was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@schwags1969]

Though provoking, brilliant.

[@islanderdraws]

Another well done, thought provoking episode. 👍🏼

[@rufatubes]

😅 provoking 😅 yeah... In the best way possible it is, yes 😌💛👍

[@smackdd1]

Simply beautiful

[@Rippypoo]

Taken right out of The Twilight Zone. But not exactly, and with a much better outcome. Outstanding production values and overall execution. More difficult to coordinate the actors, obviously, but you pulled it off. Mission accomplished. Successfully showing that people are people. Also showing that "different" does not necessarily mean "bad". Well done. Bravo.

[@jell0pudding580]

This film has a strong wes anderson vibe. Amazing film! one of my favorites

[@UkDave3856]

This is so good, so so good. It’s been literally decades since I’ve seen anything as original and unique as this.Bravo!

[@madhavsehgal570]

Absolute masterpeice

[@docwilson5384]

WOW, brilliant just brilliant, I have a aunt name gibby wilson and she has Down Syndrome and she just past away a couple of years ago and she was a amazing lady, Thank you guys so much for making this short film it touch my heart....Peace

[@JV5976]

Wonderful film. Thank you.

[@barbarapearce9738]

Very clever, very touching, a breath of fresh air and great acting by all. Well done!!!!

[@cloudy9337]

Bro could take over the whole world

[@Sticker-Happy]

Beautiful, captivating, thought-provoking and funny. Simply brilliant! 10/10 Hugs

[@joeelizondo2606]

what a great movie should be shown in schools to all kids

[@cmh6122]

Inspiring. Became aquainted to the differently abled as a boy scout in the 1960s. All of us have value. Beautifully written, produced, and most of all acted.

[@orurenopapito]

A master piece Blessigs

[@JF-sz8hb]

Wow! What a moving show. It really makes you stop and appreciate what the world is like through someone else's eyes. Thank you for sharing this wonderful short movie.

[@khushgopalgaur5943]

this movie made me smile in a longtime definition of wholesome.

[@GroupieImp64]

This is the most amazing tale I've seen in years! Well done to everyone involved!

[@rufatubes]

For me, this wasn't a tale, this wasn't a movie... This was a journey into more understanding and appreciate how wonderful these humans are, how important they can be - just as you and me 💛 bro Gold! 👍

[@cloudy9337]

Didn’t even know they could get this many

[@elithunder]

This is an insanely incredible film. The cinematography, coloring and imagination are fantastic! Beautiful acting and of course, the message is awesome!! Thoroughly enjoyed this film!! Bravo!! ❤❤❤

[@sauce1478]

bravo!!

[@divyajnana]

What a thoughtful, wonderful piece of work. Beautifully scripted and filmed, thank you.

[@starshine1828]

that society would not be about greed and money, but love and friendship.

[@CuriousEvents]

Having watched many fantastic Dust films I can say without reservation that this is an absolutely outstanding piece of creative writing, directing and filming. Superb acting, excellent story telling and just enough humour combine to bring this great message across . I've immediately linked this to my friends and tonight I will sit down to watch it again with my children. Thank you for the opportunity to share this.

[@slugdolphin6377]

I was really moved. Normal people can this brutal.

[@persistentdreams]

Well done! What a sweet tale. Love the architecture.

[@haebee]

low ceiling at 10:07 is genius.

[@mandielou]

I love this.. this had to have been written by someone with down syndrome or a loved one of someone with DS because the innocent outlook, their hearts still shows, even though it's showing how other people treat and see them.. like there's something wrong with them, something the medical community and society feel they need to solve or fix. But nothing needs to be fixed. Nothing is broken. They're perfectly just the way they are, just as everyone is perfectly different. God bless you loves! Glad to see you all get a chance to shine!

[@danielkim1635]

this was amazing id love to see more of whoever came up with this

[@aldencrabb713]

What a wonderful thought provoking mini movie. I believe this should be up for an award it's so good! I would give it thumbs all day long if I could, absolutely brilliant! 😃👍

[@DANISRO]

Perfect video🎉

[@Dakiraun]

An amazing film - and all an amazing cast. It's so smile-inducing and a wonderful way to highlight awareness.

[@uk-id6dk]

Epic short film loved it 👏👏

[@madnessbydesign1415]

As someone who had a Downs relative, this was brilliant. To make a point this gracefully, being respectful of these actors (who were amazing), and telling a very sweet story is inspiring. Well done! :)

[@holmen4002]

L genetics

[@xk-iller]

​@@holmen4002 bro 🗿💀

[@yaroslavantipov7851]

completely agree!!!

[@DontMindMeHere369]

Yall really think you gonna find a chromosome in a backpack 💀

[@abraxasjinx5207]

You don't think this was incredibly disrespectful and disdainful of neurodivergent people? I would be very curious to hear what your relative thinks of this flick.

[@jeffhunter3402]

Amazing, what a perfect way to share perspective

[@jezzter4293]

Wow, amazing 🎉 great job to all involved ❤

[@madzod0076]

Couldn't help but laugh when the boat scene came up

[@GySgtRay]

This was the most excellent production I have seen in a long time! The actors, director and support production staff did a marvelous job in conveying the fact that everyone in life can do marvelous things!! I hope to see more!! I certainly hope Hollywood is taking notes!!

[@Hammncheeez]

THIS IS AWESOME......................................peace

[@rufatubes]

❤️👍😊 What an amazing, wholesome and beautiful lil'movie is created 🥰 I really love this gentle little peek into a whole other perspective on living in a 'normal' world where everyone can make the difference - For me this movie is a treasure!! 💛

[@membear]

The boat scene was the best LOL moment.

[@felizekolibius4411]

What a magnificent movie!!!! I can say that this is the best movie I have seen in my life! It has so much meaning in every way. The little details are just the cherry on the top. Huge respect to everyone involved creating this magical piece of Art and love 💕

[@mycorrhizae111]

Brilliant ❤

[@der_admiral]

This is a beautiful short film that tells about people who are "different", and yet can change the world. And ultimately also a great message to all people who are affected by a disability, and also to other people, not to discriminate people with this disability.

[@AG-bw2oe]

Lovely! Thanks! :)

[@brookers7391]

Absolutely excellent - my son has special needs and this brought me to tears because it is just so positively brilliant! well done x

[@rufatubes]

I know you'll have your struggles, but as long you'll love your son like nothing else... He'll beat the world, I'll bet ya! 💛😊👍 This movie tells me, that there'll be a point in life, or many maybe, your son whishes to be 'normal'... But realize... We actually all do 🤷🏼 While all trying to be 'special' and standout 😌🤭 ... We all have to learn to be good enough as we are and love each other 💛 My blessing to you and your son 🤝

[@saraloualphonso]

Yes ! my son is the same, same reaction, so beautiful !!!

[@DontMindMeHere369]

You should search for the extra chromosome in his backpack

[@biggslimofficial2713]

Artist's vision

[@lemonyellow4270]

Made me cry. The last sentence is so powerful. Differences dont mean bad. It can bring amazing things.

[@argento4321]

Just amazing. Congrats!!!!

[@sunpacksun2954]

Phenomenal!! My brother was a person with Down Syndrome and he had touched more peoples hearts in his short life span than someone who lives to be 90. Beautifully done.

[@dsjjfg]

You probably understand better than most what many people (and societies) don’t seem to realize: that you can never know the contribution a person can make, despite not having a perfect athletic physique or staggering intellect.

[@DeathnoteBB]

@@dsjjfgI think you missed the point. The point is people treat people with DS like they’re incompetent or stupid, just because they’re different. If you judged a fish’s intelligence and competency by how well it could climb a tree, you’d be the silly one. Hence the movie. They’re treating their kid like he’s incompetent because he’s a fish in a world of monkeys. Hell the short film even connects him *with a fish* by showing it grow as he grows.

[@stfy2226]

i had a of questions... but they don't matter, all I know is this is BEAUTIFUL

[@d.michaelpratt5987]

An astonishing film and a superb piece of art. Turns the world on its head to help us “normal” people understand the trivialities of the differences between us and “others.” Hats off to the filmmakers! And to the amazing actors in this film! In these often-difficult times, flat-out cheered me up!