Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
New movie ‘ABLE’, filmed around Auburn-Opelika, tells inspiring true story
Reading time: 4 minutes
A new feature film inspired by a real-life story is taking shape in the Auburn-Opelika area.
The upcoming movie ABLE tells the story of a young woman with Down syndrome and the family who fought to ensure she had every opportunity to succeed.
The independent film is currently in development and aims to share a message of resilience, inclusion and redefining what’s possible.
Writer and director Kelly Lintz said the project hopes to change how people view a Down syndrome diagnosis.
“ABLE is about a mother who gives birth to a baby with Down syndrome and moves heaven and earth to redefine what’s possible. Our mission with the film is to reframe the diagnosis into something that should be celebrated rather than mourned.”
Kelly Lintz
The story behind “ABLE”
ABLE is based on the real-life story of Kayla Kosmalski, a young woman with Down syndrome whose accomplishments have challenged common assumptions about the diagnosis.
The film follows Kayla and her parents, Amy and Rick Kosmalski, as they navigate the early fears that often come with a Down syndrome diagnosis. Determined not to let others define their daughter’s future, Amy pushes for Kayla to have the same opportunities as other children.
Over time, Kayla begins exceeding expectations. She learns to read at an early age, succeeds in school and pursues her passions despite facing moments of rejection and social isolation.
“She’s just defied a lot of odds for someone with a disability.”
Kosmalski later made history when she was crowned Miss Delaware Teen USA 2024, becoming the first woman with Down syndrome to win a state pageant title. She went on to compete in Miss Teen USA, where she received the Miss Congeniality award.
Today, Kosmalski attends Wilmington University, where she studies communications and continues her work as a model, speaker and advocate for people with disabilities.
Why the film is being made in Auburn
Lintz told The Bama Buzz the project ultimately found a home in the Auburn-Opelika community, thanks to early support from local families and businesses.
Families in the Down syndrome community heard about the project and reached out to ask how they could help. Lintz hosted a small gathering at her home for families connected to the community.
While preparing for the event, a friend helping organize the gathering stopped by GiGi’s Cupcakes in Auburn to pick up dessert. After hearing about the purpose of the gathering, GiGi’s Cupcakes owner Jennifer Cooper donated the cupcakes free of charge.
“That one gesture started an avalanche of other businesses getting involved,” Lintz said.
The response from local residents, businesses and organizations helped solidify the decision to develop the film in the Auburn-Opelika area.
“The only reason I will get this project done is because of the people of Auburn and Opelika,” she said.
A film with a mission
Lintz said she hopes the film encourages audiences to see people with Down syndrome differently and recognize their value and potential.
“I hope people understand what a blessing people with Down syndrome are and that they deserve to not only be included but to exist,” Lintz said.
Supporting the project
Because ABLE is an independent film, the team is inviting supporters to help bring the story to life.
Through the project’s “ABLE Ally” campaign, supporters can contribute to the film’s fundraising efforts and follow behind-the-scenes updates as production moves forward.
Lintz said community support will play a major role in helping bring the film to life, and that the production timeline will depend largely on fundraising efforts. While the team initially hoped to begin filming sooner, the current goal is to begin production within the next year as development continues.
More information about the project and upcoming events can be found at ablemovie.com or through the film’s Instagram page, @ablemovie.
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