Truelove: The Film, a film about a Gainesville girl's life with a rare genetic disorder known as Williams Syndrome, is set to premiere in March at the Historic Ritz Theatre in Toccoa.
Callie Truelove, 19, stars in the film produced by Former Prodigy Media and directed by Phil Viardo. It's produced by and features Christopher Knight, of The Brady Bunch. Carrie Underwood, Wynonna Judd, Darius Rucker, Michael Ray and others also make appearances in the film.
For Truelove, the film was an act of love.
"I don't call [Williams Syndrome] my disability, I call it a miracle," Callie Truelove said. "A miracle that God has given me the ability to spread awareness about it."
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines Williams Syndrome as a disorder impacting Chromosome 7 that may lead to mild to moderate delays in cognitive development or learning disabilities.
"They also may have a distinctive facial appearance, and a unique personality that combines over-friendliness and high levels of empathy with anxiety," the NINDS website reads.
The film documents the life of Truelove, who was 16 at the time of filming.
"I went to do this film because our doctors aren't educated about it, most of the parents aren't even educated about it ... and teachers don't know about it," Truelove said. "I just love sharing it with people. I know some people are uncomfortable or scared to talk about their disabilities. I'm not."
Truelove's mother, Tabitha Truelove, said those with Williams Syndrome deserve to have their voices heard.
"They all have a story to tell," Tabitha said. "Even though you may do something different or you may live your life differently because of your disability ... everyone deserves to live their life to the fullest and be loved and accepted."
Tabitha said they first found out Callie had Williams Syndrome after speaking with a genetic doctor at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - Egleston Hospital.
"He immediately knew Callie had Williams Syndrome without even testing her, just because of her facial features and the medical problems she was having," Tabitha said. "The things that Callie has taught us through this journey ... it's amazing. She's taught us to love life and to embrace the struggles and learn from the struggles, and love everybody."
Tabitha was initially told Callie would not live to see her first birthday.
"God has a bigger and better plan," Callie said.
The public is invited to attend the film's screening in Toccoa, which is set for March 11 at the Ritz Theatre.
A red carpet meet and greet will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The film screening will begin at 12 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for those 18 and under, and free for children under five.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking this link.
Read more about the TrueLove Foundation here.
