The Open Door

Sam (Michael Jeske), is a young man who has special needs. He lives with his mother (Kelly Zierath.) Several years earlier, his sister Madison (Megan Ann Jacobs) left home to find a life for herself as an artist in Door County, Wisconsin. One day, when Madison arrives at her place of work, the Palmer Art Gallery, she learns that her mother has died. This news immediately changes both Madison's and Sam's lives. After their mother's funeral Sam comes to live with Madison. She rents the top floor of an old farm house from Roy Harrison (David Ruprecht.) Roy is a senior citizen set in his ways. He has little time for his peculiar tenant and her brother. A series of circumstances brings Roy and Sam closer together. Sam also realizes that his sister too may have special needs. As Sam says, "Some people's needs are on the outside for everyone to see. While others keep them on the inside hidden from view." Sam's passion is shoes. He knows everything about them. He is inspired to hold a shoe drive for the needy. He doesn't receive many shoes but is beaten close to death by a group of local thugs. This event allows Roy, Madison, and Sam to become a family as they change the views of each other and their town to those with special needs.