Student Academy Awards Series Part 5: The 17% - Aaron Johnson

The 17%, dir. Aaron Johnson

In the first seconds of The 17%, director Aaron Johnson and his editor Wesley Cunningham show a shocking statistic on screen: only 17% of people with neurological disabilities receive employment opportunities. A whopping 83% are rejected and treated as inferior. In The 17 %, Johnson presents the encouraging reality for those who are given the chance to prove their abilities. We meet Colette Divitto, a happy and hard-working young woman with Down Syndrome. Colette shares that she moved to Boston, Massachusetts after graduating college and being rejected by many employers. Finally, she decided to invest in her own business instead. “Colettey’s” is a cookie shop that is so much more than just sweet biscuits. 

Colette shares that she started Coletty’s because she always loved baking. It was her hobby. She would bake cakes, cookies, and pies. By journeying into entrepreneurship, she adds a fundamental ingredient: caring leadership. She and her business partner as well as mom, Rosemary, employ people who face difficulties in regular work environments. Chichi, a young college girl battling depression and anxiety disorder, now has a peaceful and understanding workplace where she can communicate her feelings and feel safe. Johnson takes only eleven minutes to floor us with the charismatic Colette, who magnetizes the camera lens with her winning personality. 

The director makes use of the standard talking head and on-site documentary to tell this story. However, the structure is a mere detail when you have a powerful subject like Colette. All of her interactions are interesting and add more context to her world views. It allows you to understand why the business is getting investments to expand, which Colette sees as an opportunity to employ more disabled people. Colette enchants the viewer with the immaculate energy of someone who profoundly loves what she does. Rosemary acknowledges how hardworking she is and the hours she puts into the business. The numbers don’t lie: Colettey’s has sold over 750,000 units of cookies since its opening. Beyond the impressive business metrics, a management style that differs from the corporate form also sets her apart. She understands her team and values them. 

The film is Aaron Johnson’s thesis for the Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts program. It introduces a director willing to discuss important topics with a delicate and respectful approach. Visually, Johnson and Cunningham use editing to set a dynamic pace that allows the film to flow smoothly. Yet, some framings differ from the rest of the film, such as an exercise montage. Overall, the film is consistent and showcases great interviewing, directing and presents valuable research. 

In The 17 %, the Student Academy Awards winner for Best Documentary, a talented crew of young filmmakers showcase their willingness to spotlight those usually forgotten. Aaron Johnson and his crew excel in presenting a traditional but sweet film that will make you smile the entire time. Colette deserves to have her story told. Thankfully, Aaron accomplished that and deservedly received an award for his efforts.

Review by: Pedro Lima