BEST BOY

For the past decade, American filmmakers have been focusing on the close-to-home drama of their own families – but rarely with such sympathy and power as in this film. The first feature film by Ira Wohl, BEST BOY is a personal documentary of great warmth. BEST BOY is the story of the filmmaker's cousin Philly, a charming 52-year-old man who has been retarded since birth. Philly's attempts at rapport – with his aging parents, with the children at his special school, with cousin Ira's magic camera – are harrowing and inspiring. Filmmaker Wohl spent three years helping Philly become independent. Wohl's narrative documentary provides an intimate look not only at the ways in which Philly progresses, but at the ways in which his growth affects his relationship with his family.