Only Human

Moneer, 12, has a form of autism called Asperger's Syndrome. When he loses his mother to cancer, the teachers struggle to help him deal with his feelings and manage his violent behaviour. Roxanne, also 12, just wants to be a normal teenager, but her realisation that autism is for life is extremely painful. Roy, 18, is trying to make sense of the world during his last year at school, but what he really wants is a girlfriend. And Esther, also 18, has a special gift for explaining the autistic world.

Steven Liddell lives at home with his parents and his pregnant girlfriend, Katie. A cheery lad who models himself on rock stars, Steven is undergoing chemo for cancer that has spread from his testicle. He must cope with a protective mother, an anxious girlfriend and, most of all, a glimpse of his own mortality. Director Patrick Collerton underwent treatment for testicular cancer in the very same ward five years ago. His humorous and emotional documentary explains the mysteries of chemotherapy and explores the themes of mortality and friendship, revealing what daily life is like on the cancer ward, and what effect the illness has had on the young people involved.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of Botton, and some of its residents have been there since the beginning. Co-workers, too, opt into a long-term commitment to share their homes and their lives with up to eight adults with special needs; it's certainly not a lifestyle for the intolerant or impatient. While the community appears to have been a success, it has also been controversial among some social work professionals who believe that people with learning difficulties do better when integrated into the wider community. The moving, tender and sometimes funny film charts the day-to-day life of this remarkable place and the people who live there. And it follows long-term resident Barry as he decides to leave the community and re-enter the 'real world'; but can he cope with the harsh reality of life away from Botton?