Painting a Normal Life

Hank Holland, a Louisiana folk artist with cerebral palsy, learns to embrace his disability through his art.

  • Paul Catalanotto
    Director
    Proof of the Devil, Facing Cancer, Mary
  • Paul Catalanotto
    Writer
    Proof of the Devil, Proof of the Devil 2, In the Absence of Saints
  • Paul Catalanotto
    Producer
    Proof of the Devil, Facing Cancer, Mary
  • Todd Campbell
    Producer
    The Mourning Hills
  • Hank Holland
    Key Cast
  • Tee Chaoui Social Club
    Music
  • Lawrence Walsh
    Director of Photography
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Biopic, Documentary
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 54 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 1, 2015
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Hd
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Paul Catalanotto

Paul Catalanotto earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and a minor in Marketing from Southeastern Louisiana University. He worked as a producer for Charter Media before taking a position with the Southeastern Channel. During his two years at the channel, Catalanotto directed and produced a variety of programming including "College Night", a Telly award winning student entertainment show and was the editor of the international and national award winning documentary, "Fighting Lions: The Glory Years". In 2005, Catalanotto founded Untitled Films to address his interest in directing music videos, documentaries, and narrative films. He has won an Atlanta Hip Hop award for directing the music video "Lookin’ Down on Me" and placed in the top ten videos of the 2008 Inspirational Country Music Awards with the video "Pictures" featuring Tommy Brandt. In 2009, he graduated with an MFA in Film Production from the University of New Orleans. Recently, several of his music videos have made it into CMT and GAC rotation and his film “Proof of the Devil” has received national and international distribution. He has a second feature premiering later this year.

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Director Statement

I am a fan of Hank Holland. His work is interesting, unique, but traditional. The way he pays homage to his Louisiana roots speaks to me as a native. But what really caught my attention was his use of color - color that felt like a reflection of the artist’s personality. Without having met him, I knew he was cheerful. Optimistic. Fun.

I first met Hank Holland when he came to speak to the Tangipahoa chapter of the Arc of Louisiana. His work may have impressed me, but the man inspired me. Despite having cerebral palsy, being bullied as a child, and attempting suicide, he was everything his work suggested - cheerful, optimistic, and fun.

I am proud to have had a chance to tell Hank’s story. It’s uplifting, and I like to believe those are the best stories. I am a fan of Hank Holland, and I hope those who watch our little film will be too.