"A Self-Determined Life"
(DOCUMENTARY - 35 minutes)

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 9 months old, every stage of Lara Parker's life was about learning to accept things she could not do, finding the ways to do the things she could, and searching for the wisdom to know the difference. Unable to walk, speak, or use her hands in any purposeful way, she fashioned a life that including cheerleading, the prom, moving into her own apartment and graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Instead of dwelling on the life society has imagined for those citizens with disabilities, this inspiring documentary captures the remarkable life Lara envisioned for herself.

Filmmaker Profile: Linda DiLorenzo

With over twenty years of combined experience in communications, education and media production, ranging from writing/producing to video editing, Linda DiLorenzo is currently the head of her own video production company, The Matrix of Belonging, devoted to creating family and community video documentaries. In the next year, the Chapel Hill resident will be featured in Southern Living Magazine.

Contact Information:

phone: 919/933-9797
e-mail: lindadilo5@mindspring.com

Local Connections

• Linda DiLorenzo is currently the head of her own video production company in Chapel Hill, The Matrix of Belonging, devoted to creating family and community video documentaries.
• DiLorenzo is a Chapel Hill resident.
• The documentary's focus, Lara Parker, both lived in Chapel Hill and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
• DiLorenzo is currently working on a documentary for a family in Western, NC.