21 March 2021

Moving, warm and often funny, Ian Davies’ film ‘Amber and Me’ charts his twins’ journey into primary school.

Amber has Down’s Syndrome and the family were naturally anxious about her starting school.

She is going to be in the same class as her sister Olivia, who doesn’t have the condition and is protective of her twin.

Dad Ian, who is a filmmaker, decided to document their journey from the girls’ first day in reception at the primary school in Oxfordshire up until Year Four.

What follows is 60 minutes of glorious, honest insight into the girls’ everyday life, settling into school and playing together at home, alongside older brother Finn.

It documents the challenges for both girls and shows the changes in their relationship. Olivia provides a voiceover and context to some of the situations that arise.

At first Amber’s experience is positive. But she soon starts to struggle and asks to stay at home. Olivia is keen to keep her twin sister in the same class.

The film barely features any adults and is shot unobtrusively by Ian over a four-year period. Filming wrapped before the Covid-19 pandemic and its’ release was delayed by a year.

Film critic Mark Kermode described it as a “lovely, lovely film”.

The film is being released on World Down’s Syndrome Day (Sunday March 21 2021) and you can watch it for £3.99.

Ian also hopes to launch a primary schools campaign in September, using the film to help promote discussion of diversity and inclusion.

For more information, please visit www.amberandmefilm.com

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