The Puppet Asylum

“I am the first writer and director with down syndrome commissioned by a British broadcaster to make a film like this, but hopefully not the last.” – Otto Baxter

Through short film THE PUPPET ASYLUM, which Otto wrote and directed, Otto finds the vocabulary to process his past and imagine his uncertain future. He tackles his demons head-on, but always with a riotous sense of humour.

Filmmakers Peter Beard and Bruce Fletcher direct the accompanying feature doc, OTTO BAXTER: NOT A FUCKING HORROR STORY, which follows 35-year-old Otto Baxter as he writes and directs his the short.

Otto’s recent experiences of bereavement and a family health scare have forced him to think about mortality for the first time – his own and those closest to him. He has always turned to films to make sense of the world and this moment is no exception. Through the writing and directing process, Otto tackles his demons head-on, but always with a riotous sense of humour.

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Director: Otto Baxter

Producers: Daisy Allsop, Peter Beard, Bruce Fletcher

Production Company: Story Films / Sky Documentaries

Alexa Mini / Master Primes