Abraham, who made the decision to support the movie, says that "even in the early stages of production, it was clear that Monica & David would be a totally unique film and that it would offer viewers an intimate, emotionally engaging story of a family which happens to include two adults living with Down syndrome."

The bulk of Monica & David was shot between 2007 and 2009, following the couple and Monica's parents as they move from Miami to a condo in Hollywood, cope with David's sudden diagnosis of diabetes and attempt to find paying jobs for the pair.

PARENTAL WORRIES

Aside from dealing with the obstacles faced by adults with disabilities who try to assimilate into everyday culture, Monica & David is also an ode to the heroism of simple parenting. In the film, Maria Elena tirelessly looks after her daughter and son-in- law. In one moving, candid moment, she wonders whether her protective efforts are keeping Monica from living her life.

"Honestly, I never imagined the movie would get as far as it has, so I was not bothered at all about my private home life being filmed," Maria Elena says about the intrusion of Codina's camera. "If it had been a non-family member, I do not believe we would have gone through with it, or at least we would have been reluctant to allow so much filming at home."

‘‘Filming was very stressful on my aunt, because I knew she didn't like having the camera around, and I was spending a lot of time in her house during difficult moments, like when they were moving," Codina says. "But the movie has had a very positive impact on our family. Both Monica and David's moms felt an anger for a long time that there wasn't a place in the world for their children. But seeing the way audiences react to the movie has given them a lot of confidence. And Monica and David are also gaining more confidence in terms of being more open about what they want."

RAISING AWARENESS

Monica & David made its world premiere at the prestigious International Documentary Festival Amsterdam last year and has been shown at multiple festivals and screenings around the United States. It has earned the praise of critics and organizations such as Best Buddies International, which creates personal and professional opportunities for disabled people.

"Monica & David is one of the greatest love stories of all time," says Anthony K. Shriver, founder and chairman of Best Buddies. "I am also hopeful that it will be a wake-up call for all of us about the endless love, passion and ability that all individuals with intellectual disabilities possess."

Codina says she's most excited about the film's airing on HBO, because that will provide its widest exposure to date.

Neither Monica, 38, nor David, 32, has yet been able to find jobs.

"That was always my goal throughout the making of the film: To get it to the largest audience possible who may know very little about disabilities," Codina says. "Once the viewer connects with the love story, you can start dealing with broader issues, such as addressing the fact that we don't often acknowledge adults with disabilities as adults. We treat them as children. I also hope people who see Monica & David start to think differently about employment for the disabled. It's a pretty tough reality in terms of what's available for them."