Three Identical Strangers (Netflix) is a 2018 documentary that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Tim Wardle, it narrates the unbelievable story of three estranged triplets who finally reunite. But once a journalist digs up for answers, he uncovers an experiment.

On April 10th, National Siblings Day, I encourage you to cherish your brothers and sisters. You will, after knowing more about how the following research destroyed lives.

A family is composed of a father and mother figure. Once the couple is ready to take the next step, they expand their household by becoming pregnant.

The pregnancy cycle is astonishing. For the next 9 months, the fetus grows with the help of nutrients from the mother. Once the baby arrives, the nurture from the parents and siblings shapes the infant’s teenage years and adult life.

Back in 1980, Bobby Shafran left his parent’s nest to attend college. As he was walking down the aisles and heading to his new dormitory, he couldn’t help but notice that everyone kept calling him by another name. A mistake, perhaps.

But once he was in his dormitory, Michael Domnitz (student) asked him, “Are you adopted?” To which he replied, “Yes.” That same day, they drove towards the house of a guy named Eddy Galland. According to Michael, they were brothers.

Upon arriving at Eddy’s house, they stood next to each other. Shockingly enough, it was like looking at a mirror. From the same face attributions to the physical appearance. The resemblance was identical. Indeed, such an amazing story was made for the tabloids.

“When people ask me what is the most remarkable story,
I tell them it’s the story of the triplets.”

-Howard Schneider, Journalist (2018)

The next morning, while glancing at the newspaper’s front picture, David Kellman knew was the third one. So, he contacted his siblings to reunite after nineteen years apart.

Needless to say, the media had found their new favorite celebrities. Hence, their life did a 360. From the free entrance at clubs to making cameos in films to opening a restaurant called Triplets Roumanian Steakhouse, they were everywhere.

However, instead of focusing on the bright side like everybody else, journalist Lawrence Wright began investigating the reasons behind the partition in the first place.

Along the way, he discovered that such separation was part of a vile, unethical experiment conducted by Dr. Neubauer and the adoption agency. But what type of research?

“There are a lot of conspiracy theories about this story and why it has not been told in the past.
We never knew if we were going to make it.”

– Tim Waddle, Director (2017)

Namely, to place three individuals under three different living circumstances. Unfortunately, the study, the aims, and the conclusion will remain sealed until 2065.

Three Identical Strangers Netflix won the best “Special Jury Award” at Sundance for its storytelling. Lastly, for director Wardle, it took him 5 years to make such a private film.

Watch the following feature and make sure to add the documentary to your to-watch list.

1. “Three Identical Strangers” documentary. Directed by Tim Wardle (CNN Films, 2018). ↩︎
2. “Three Identical Strangers” documentary. Directed by Tim Wardle (CNN Films, 2018). ↩︎

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MusicMoviesandMe brings you the best Crip Camp Summary. Crip Camp is a 2020 historical documentary and is directed by James Lebrecht, Nicole Newnham, and executive produced by the Obamas. On December 3rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD), I report the journey of a revolution that led to legislation ‘Section 504.’

Crip Camp Summary

In 1971, handicapped persons heard about a summer camp called Camp Jened, in New York. Alike scouting, this one served to gather the disabled for recreational purposes. That is, as an attendee, you could sing, dance, swim, and be free.

Most importantly, everybody respected one another. After bonding over the summertime, they returned to their lives and vowed to stay in touch.

Nevertheless, re-adapting to society felt burdensome. Mainly because whereas non-disabled looked forward to a bright future with plenty of opportunities, they felt disadvantaged. But why is that? Well, the main problem – the infrastructure.

In present times, schools, universities, hospitals, and recreational places contain the necessary architecture for both the disabled and non-disabled communities. But in the 70s, it lacked such pivotal elements.

For instance, if an invalid individual wanted to use the metro station, it did not have an elevator. Moreover, imagine applying for a job that you couldn’t even reach on your own! So, it seemed as if you already lost the position by default.

“Many of us can work. That’s all we are saying, remove the architectural barriers.”

–Margaret Irvine, Camp Jened attendee (1977)

Luckily, in 1972, the Center for Independent Living (CIL) was founded in Berkley, California. An organization run by the handicapped to help others integrate into society by registering to the following:

1. Housing: Acquire a permanent place where to live, eat and sleep.
2. Personal care: Search for the proper health insurance and provide care services.
3. Job-hunting: Enrol for an adequate position to be self-independent and have a steady income.

Section 504

By 1973, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act attested to protect the rights of the handicapped. Namely, this forced buildings to restructure to be obstacle-free.

Yet four years later, none of the stations, education centers, or hospitals were reshaping their infrastructure. Consequently, they implemented the motto, “If they are not coming to us, we are coming to them.“

Hence, in April 1977, they stormed the building of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW).

Surprisingly, a one-day protest turned into 24 days. And once they didn’t see any progress from the congressmen, they took it a step further by directly going to the White House. Finally, on April 28, 1977, ‘section 504‘ was signed.

Indeed, persistence was key. Not only did the handicapped get involved but along their journey, they received the helping hand of the Blank Panthers.

“Every time you raise issues of separate but equal,
the outrage of disabled individuals across this country is going to continue.“

-Judith Heumann, Activist (1977)

Therefore, every time you see a building designed with all its essentials, it is partly due to that summer camp. Undoubtedly, a revolution that vouched for equality.

“Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” won the “Audience Award” at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.

Watch the trailer and discover the best Crip Camp Summary in the link below.

1. “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” documentary. Directed by Nicole Newnham and James Lebrecht (Higher Ground Productions, Netflix, 2020). ↩︎
2. “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” documentary. Directed by Nicole Newnham and James Lebrecht (Higher Ground Productions, Netflix, 2020). ↩︎
3. “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” documentary. Directed by Nicole Newnham and James Lebrecht (Higher Ground Productions, Netflix, 2020). ↩︎

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Expedition Happiness is a documentary based on the real-life experience of a German couple named Felix Starck and Selima Taibi. When they buy a school bus to embark on a road trip, their life has just begun.

In 2016, despite having a well-employed and decent living in Berlin, Felix and Selima had the feeling something was missing in their lives, which prevented them from being happy. Their idea: embark on a road trip across the globe.

After researching online, they found a school bus for sale in the United States. Without much hesitation, they bought it and flew to the USA along with their dog Rudy.

For the next three months, they spent time rebuilding the bus into a functional recreational vehicle, equipped with all the necessary needs such as:

• Bedroom: For comfort after many driving hours
• Shower: To stay clean during the months ahead
• Kitchen: To cook food and stay healthy throughout the road trip

Usually, road trips tend to have a mapped route. However, in this expedition, they were driving where the routes would take them.

Their first stop, Canada. Here, they make a stop at the Banff National Park. Afterward, they drive to Alaska, where they experience the Denali State Park. Also, the scenery with beautiful mountain views is worth all the driving hours. Not only do they visit new places but also meet the locals.

Secondly, Vancouver, where more nature awaits. They keep wandering south and this time they have more time to explore the United States, such is the case of the Antelope Canyon in Arizona.

Heading down south, they reach Mexico. Yes, you guessed it, tacos, tacos, and more tacos. Locals welcome them with open arms and guide them through the city. They go to a jalapeno tour factory, which is a key ingredient in Mexican cuisine. While in MX, they explore Chihuahua, Torreón, and San Luis Potosi.

Travel can be very tiring itself, even more so for a dog. Unfortunately, Rudy becomes too ill and the road trip comes to a sudden end. Nonetheless, they can do a good deed by giving away their recreational school bus vehicle to a family, who most likely will use it to wander off on their Expedition Happiness.

Last but not least, what makes this documentary a unique experience is the blending of beautiful scenery and music. I don’t know if there is such a thing as the perfect soundtrack, but this one comes close. Selima is a musician who goes by the artistic name Mogli.

Watch the trailer and listen to the “Expedition Happiness” Soundtrack in the link below.

1. “Expedition Happiness” documentary. Directed by Felix Starck and Selima Taibi (Studio Hamburg Enterprises, 2017). ↩︎
2. “Expedition Happiness” documentary. Directed by Felix Starck and Selima Taibi (Studio Hamburg Enterprises, 2017). ↩︎
3. “Expedition Happiness” documentary. Directed by Felix Starck and Selima Taibi (Studio Hamburg Enterprises, 2017). ↩︎

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