Intelligent Lives

Intelligent Lives is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary film directed by Dan Habib in 2018. This movie, through a series of emotional narratives, challenges the conventional perception of intelligence and endeavors to show the world that IQ is just a number – it should not and cannot dictate a person’s potential or ability to lead a meaningful life.

The lives of Naieer Shaheed, Naomie Monplaisir, and Micah Fialka Feldman are prominently portrayed against the backdrop of a larger socio-cultural context. These three exceptional individuals challenge the conventional meanings of intelligence, contributing significantly towards changing public perception on the subject matter.

Naieer Shaheed is an artist in a Boston public high school. Yet he is not just an artist – he’s a young man with a diagnosis of autism too. He paints, dreams of attending college, and grapples with the conventional methods of assessment that don't cater to his creative intelligence. Naieer’s life and talent serve as an eye-opener, paving the path for understanding that intelligence is not a one-size-fits-all standard.

The film then shifts to Naomie Monplaisir, a young woman with Down syndrome. She's pursuing a career as a professional actress in Providence, Rhode Island. Naomie’s journey from being an intern to subsequently finding employment is not only poignant but also inspiring – shattering stereotypes and biases about people with Down syndrome.

Micah Fialka Feldman, a teaching assistant in a literacy program at Syracuse University, has an intellectual disability. His journey in the academic world fuels the thought-provoking narrative that insists intelligence should not be limited to intellectual capacity alone. He is a symbol of perseverance, academic tenacity, and insistence on equality for all, regardless of individual differences.

Narrated by Academy-award winning actor, Chris Cooper, Intelligent Lives pans out broader into American public school systems and society, casting a critical eye over how we approach the learning abilities of individuals. The film brings forth an important question – Are we doing enough to provide equal opportunities to individuals with disabilities? It questions the system that can empower or suppress the growth potential of those who think and perform differently.

The film uses the three lives as case studies to fundamentally deconstruct the viewers’ understanding of intelligence, disability, and self-worth. It questions standard yardsticks to measure intelligence – IQ tests and SATs – and delves into the history of intelligence testing, its roots in eugenics, and its resulting consequences. The film raises the critical issue of institutionalization, segregation, stigmatization, and the lack of accessibility faced by millions of individuals with disabilities in the country.

Moreover, Intelligent Lives smartly intertwines personal narratives and societal context, not just chronicling the lives of these three individuals but also exploring the remarkable initiatives taken to empower them. The film presents enlightening insights into the inclusive education programs, adapted career-building initiatives, and the strength of self-determination.

Intelligent Lives is a film about acceptance, empowerment, and opportunity. It's a film that questions the prevailing power dynamics and engages in dialogue about ‘’intelligence," what it truly means, and how we perceive it. It ultimately challenges us all to rethink our own perceptions and prejudices about what intelligence means.

The film is a call to change the discourse surrounding disabilities and intelligence. Intelligent, moving, and transformative, the film seeks to reshape societal perspectives on intelligence and intellectual capabilities. It urges us to shift to a mindset of inclusivity, equality, and dignity for all, regardless of differences in the abilities we possess.

In summary, Intelligent Lives is a thought-provoking narrative that addresses the need for a paradigm shift in the understanding and assessment of intelligence. It explores intelligence in its diverse forms and showcases the potential of those with intellectual disabilities. An empowering watch, it is a documentary that paves the way towards an inclusive and equitable future for all.