This is the story of two friends, a student filmmaker and a 59-year old woman with developmental disabilities, as they produce a video for a class project. This poignant collaboration between filmmaker and subject creates an intimate profile that transcends dismissive labels and stereotypes.

The video opens with Carol’s 59th birthday party, which is held annually in the courtyard of the assisted living center where she lives. We visit with her in her apartment, and watch as she interacts with other residents and guests. In her apartment, Carol proudly exhibits her dolls, which she has collected for the past twenty years. At the end of the video, we follow Carol on her weekly excursion to Starbuck’s and Great American Pizza, where she has been eating a slice of salami pizza every Tuesday night for the last 14 years.

Throughout the video, Carol shares personal stories of childhood, schooling, the death of her parents, boyfriends, and what it feels like to be called retarded. Carol is fascinated with the video making process, and she eagerly collaborates with her filmmaker friend on obtaining the best footage.