EagleEyes has recently spread its wings into BC’s Fine Arts Department in yet another cross-disciplinary collaboration between BC Faculty and the EagleEyes Project. On September 26th, BC’s Film Studies Program premiered “Michael’s Eagle Eyes,” a documentary about the life of Michael Nash, EagleEyes user and recent graduate of Marshfield High School.

The film marks the beginning of a series of films entitled “I’m in Here!” Co-producers John Michalczyk and Ronald Marsh hope that the series will provide a platform for people whose stories have traditionally gone untold.

Most people who know Michael Nash’s story, know the story second hand. What is unique about “Michael’s Eagle Eyes” is that Michael contributed to the film and it’s the woven narration of Michael’s words throughout the film that makes it so compelling. The audience is offered a glimpse of what it’s like to be a very able-minded person trapped in a severely disabled body.

Another moving aspect the film captures is the monumental support Michael receives from his family and his personal teacher, Maureen Gates. Michael’s mom, Kathy Nash, describes how, shortly after Michael’s birth, she was told that her son should be institutionalized. Kathy refused to let this happen. Her perseverance in insisting that her son live a life of inclusion, and that he achieve to the best of his ability, is a tribute to all moms everywhere.

Through the film “Michael’s Eagle Eyes” the BC Film Studies Program effectively captures a day in the life of Michael Nash and his struggle to interact with the world. Once again, Michael proves himself to be a source of inspiration for BC faculty, students, the community at large -- and now filmmakers, too.