Dragon Mom is a short documentary that follows Laura, a mother learning to navigate the emotional, physical, and societal complexities of raising a child that lives with severe disability. Her amazing five-year-old son, Alden, was born with polymicrogyria, rendering him nonverbal and paraplegic. As he begins to explore new possibilities, like learning to use a sit ski, Laura’s journey unfolds in parallel. Alongside her family, Laura must confront the realities of ableism, advocate for accessibility, and redefine what strength and connection look like. Through intimate moments of both struggle and joy, Dragon Mom captures the healing power of nature in building resilience, hope, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly inclusive.

The film features an original score by Grammy-winning musician Chris Pandolfi (of The Infamous Stringdusters), whose compositions act as a quiet guide leading the viewer through the film's emotional terrain with grace.

After the 20-minute documentary screening, there will be a fireside discussion and Q&A with Laura Will and filmmaker Harrison Buck, followed by a reception. Bird Dog Cider will be offering tastings of their Little Sister and Bittersweet dry ciders. Full pours will be available for purchase at the bar.

Credits:
Harrison Buck / Pandion Creative –– Director
Alex Delano / oakpool –– Producer
James Hamilton / oakpool –– Producer
Cinematography –– Matteo Moretti
Editing / oakpool –– Billy Montross
Ania Puciata / oakpool –– Design
Production Support / oakpool–– Sage Yazzie
Music score –– Chris Pandolfi (of The Infamous Stringdusters)
Key Cast: Laura Will, David Nicholson, Alden Nicholson

About Pandion Creative and Director Harrison Buck:
Pandion Creative is a production company owned and operated by independent filmmaker, Harrison Buck. Harrison is also a photographer, cinematographer, and ski designer, currently living in coastal New Hampshire with his wife, Mallory, and their two children. He has worked primarily in the outdoor and music industries, shooting with dozens of notable companies and individuals in those spaces.

Harrison chooses to make films about people who's stories deserve to be told, and are often about subjects that need awareness and action from the community. These stories are often accompanied by well-curated and composed soundtracks, stunning nature visuals, and adventure sports.

Thank you to our promotional partners: Parlor Skis and Fire on the Mountain.

3S Artspace is supported in part by grants from the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts; the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and NHCF's Geoffrey E. Clark and Martha Fuller Clark Fund; and Little Bay Fund.

Thank you to our lead sponsors: AC Hotel Portsmouth, The Brook, The Kane Company/Tidemark, Katzman Contemporary Projects, MacEdge, Raka, Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel and Stirling Brandworks.