ALISON'S BABY

A moving portrait of an unusual woman

It takes a strong psyche to elect to have a baby when, like Alison Lapper, you were born without arms and with a very undeveloped lower body. Alison was born without arms and a truncated body. Her resolve to make the most of her life as a self-employed artist is inspiring. When Alison finds out that she has accidentally become pregnant she decides to have the baby. A decision, which throws up a barrage of thorny questions. How does a single woman with no arms look after a helpless child? Will the baby be born normal, or disabled like its mother? The authorities have the power to remove Alison’s baby if they don’t think she can cope as a mother…but she takes everybody by surprise.

Release year:

2001

Director:

Bente Milton

Camera:

Morten Bruus

Producer:

Bente Milton & Peter Bech

Co production:

HBO USA, Channel 5 UK & TV2 Danmark

Running length:

50 minutes

Production company:

Milton Media & Bech Film

Prizes:

Winner of Prix Italia's Special Prize 2002

 

Categories:

• People & Culture