As a press delegate to the 68th BFI London Film Festival in October 2024 (and I’ve been attending since the 46th) I viewed 20 films in ten days and walked out of three that weren’t to my sensibility or standard. I especially seek out the documentary genre and the potential for a film to be programmed in the LA Harbor International Film Festival (LAHIFF). That’s happened a few times and last year Patrice: The Movie was a film that seemed perfect for this year’s 22nd LAHIFF (March 13-16) closing day DocSunday March 16 that will take place at the YWCA Harbor Area “Julia Morgan Auditorium 437 W. 9th St., San Pedro 90731 (street parking no $ for meters on Sun.).

LAHIFF is a non-juried, non-competitive film festival that aims to educate, enlighten and entertain. Films are selected by referral or recommendation and in this instance my viewing the movie as a journalist cum critic. The film impressed me for its unusual story and style, and element of romance elusive to the genre. I presented to advisors also deemed agreed and deemed worthy. I telephoned the filmmaker director Ted Passon, described the LAHIFF mission, invited the movie to be programmed and he was amenable, if not honored.

DocSunday begins 2 pm (doors open at 1:30 pm) and concludes by 4:30 pm, admission is FREE. The story of the extraordinary Patrice Jetter is unique and courageous, corresponding to the YWCA mission. Patrice works as a school crossing guard despite physical disabilities. Her income is subsidized since she appropriately qualifies for Federal financial assistance. Her beau Garry Wickman, who was born with cerebral palsy, has overcome physical obstacles to live on his own thanks to loving and caring parents who raised him to be self-sufficient. He also justifiably needs the financial aid he receives from the government. The two were friends in their youth and that friendship blossomed into love.

Patrice and Garry reside in New Jersey, each in their own home, lead productive lives, have a flair for artistic hobbies, and a coterie of eclectic loyal friends; and a truly loving relationship. They would like to be married, however if they wed, or even live together, the benefits they are entitled to, and need to survive, would be cut off. Despite the scrutiny they endure they decide to have a commitment ceremony that could risk their breaks down and is irreparable. Without the van transportation she is forced to quit the job she spent years in economic security. While trying to earn and save money for the ceremony Patrice’s wheelchair accessible van fighting for and excels in. Faced with the dilemma of how to raise funds to replace her van another complication is that she cannot have more than $2,000 in her bank account as a condition of the disability benefits she relies on. She and friends make a concerted effort from recycling to saving pennies to have the funds to replace the van.

The commitment ceremony is threatened by the cost of replacing the van yet hope is on the horizon with a bill in Congress that could finally change the “marriage penalty” law that looms over them and millions of disabled Americans. Patrice organizes her friends to rally in support of the bill and they go to Washington, D.C. to protest. Unfortunately the bill is still pending, though those protesting are undaunted in their cause.

Patrice is a force of nature, a bit flamboyant, determined and positive. She is one of the writers who worked with director Passon to recreate scenes from her life imbued with her art and uniquely tragicomic joie de vivre. It’s unusual rather “gestalt” technique that includes a cast of children, with Patrice playing herself at every age revealing the struggles she endured have her home, job, and the life that she and Garry are now struggling to keep.

People with disabilities are often undervalued or discounted. The determination of Patrice and her entourage of zealous and dedicated individuals are empowering and inspiring for all to do more in their own lives and help champion their cause, and for all humanity. Film was 2025 nominee for Independent Spirit Awards “Best Documentary.” More about the film and crew at: https://www.patricethemovie.com/

If you can’t make the DocSunday screening you can access the film to view via IMDB link here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30342963/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_7_nm_0_in_0_q_patrice%2520the%2520movie

For the entire LAHIFF program schedule: www.laharborfilmfest.com

Note: The YWCA Harbor Area is a 501c3 non-profit organization that has “historic monument” status. Erected in 1918 it serves the community with food distribution program, clothing vouchers, programs for mothers and children, opposes racism and human trafficking. Expansion and renovation project are being planned and they need and deserve support. More at: https://ywcaharbor.org/

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Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020