Trailer for Special Ed.
Few words can accurately describe Ed Ackerman, but “special” seems appropriate in this offbeat and often hilarious story about a modern day composite of Don Quixote, Peter Pan, Chaplin’s Tramp, Job and Sisyphus. Among Ackerman’s many underfunded endeavours is a 25-year-old animation project designed to help kids spell, which he’s hoping to complete by converting three derelict houses in a struggling neighbourhood into a film studio. Ideally, the renovated properties will become an inheritance for his three grown children. But his artistic vision conflicts with city bylaws, inspiring Ed to run for parliament and mayor in an effort to save his properties from demolition. It can all appear wildly eccentric and idealistic, but in a city like Winnipeg and with an artist like Ackerman, you can’t help but admire his conviction. “Life is short but it’s wide,” says Ed. “I don’t want to define my life by things I haven’t done.”