One young actress has something noteworthy to add to her resume: she’s the first child with Down syndrome to have a leading role in a Christmas movie.
Twelve-year-old Mia Armstrong stars in “A Christmas in New Hope,” the story of a single mom who enters a home improvement competition with the hopes of saving her home before Christmas. Mia plays the protagonist’s daughter, “Charlie,” in the movie. The film is produced by Rolling Reels Productions, which, according to Austin.com, “is committed to producing top-quality content, highlighting marginalized communities and themes, at a cost that works for both the filmmaker and investors.”
Mia has been actively outspoken in advocating for those with Down syndrome. In an interview with MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle on 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle, she said, “Down syndrome is not a disability, it’s just a different ability.”
“I wrote this story because I want to inspire other people to love their own stories and be proud of who they are,” she said in a statement. “Down syndrome does not define me and is just one small part of who I am. I’m also an actress, a model, a voiceover artist, a rock climber, a thrill seeker, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. My dream is for ‘I Am a Masterpiece!’ to help kids everywhere recognize that people with Down syndrome are capable, strong and unique and that all people deserve to be accepted and loved.”
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Mia is also no stranger to social media. In a post shared on Tiktok several years ago, she can be heard saying, “People with Down syndrome are capable, smart and strong. The world needs more kindness and love. I have Down syndrome. Down syndrome is my superpower.”
For now, Mia’s film is playing in exclusive locations around Texas, though there is hope that it will make its way to a streaming service in time for next Christmas.
