Pablo’s parents fought to ensure that their son could attend school and later high school. At a time when seeing a young person with Down syndrome studying was considered “out of the ordinary,” Pablo studied hard, passed the university entrance exam, and thus became the first university graduate with Down syndrome in Europe—an example to follow. Before long, he became a public figure and role model for Spaniards with the same genetic condition.
After completing his degree in Education, he decided to make a film based on his own life, Yo también, a role that earned him the Silver Shell for Best Actor at the San Sebastián Film Festival.
But the most important achievement in the life of this 35-year-old man has been his ability to show the world how wrong it is about people with Down syndrome. He never held back because of his differences from his classmates; he earned the admiration of all his teachers with questions that were anything but foolish, and he proclaims to anyone who will listen that he has a great capacity for love, contrary to what many people believe. Ultimately, Pablo has broken down deeply entrenched stereotypes through his effort, independence, and invaluable parental support: their trust in him and a constant dose of self-esteem.
Pablo Pineda, Silver Shell for Best Actor
María Teresa is Pablo’s mother. She had him at the age of 40, when she no longer expected to have any more children. She admits that from the beginning she was determined to raise him like his three siblings, requiring him, just like everyone else, to be self-sufficient, do household chores, study, and work hard at his daily responsibilities. She soon realized Pablo’s potential and abilities.
Pablo’s parents fought to ensure that their son could attend school and later high school. At a time when seeing a young person with Down syndrome studying was considered “out of the ordinary,” Pablo studied hard, passed the university entrance exam, and thus became the first university graduate with Down syndrome in Europe—an example to follow. Before long, he became a public figure and role model for Spaniards with the same genetic condition.
After completing his degree in Education, he decided to make a film based on his own life, Yo también, a role that earned him the Silver Shell for Best Actor at the San Sebastián Film Festival.
But the most important achievement in the life of this 35-year-old man has been his ability to show the world how wrong it is about people with Down syndrome. He never held back because of his differences from his classmates; he earned the admiration of all his teachers with questions that were anything but foolish, and he proclaims to anyone who will listen that he has a great capacity for love, contrary to what many people believe. Ultimately, Pablo has broken down deeply entrenched stereotypes through his effort, independence, and invaluable parental support: their trust in him and a constant dose of self-esteem.
Pablo’s parents fought to ensure that their son could attend school and later high school. At a time when seeing a young person with Down syndrome studying was considered “out of the ordinary,” Pablo studied hard, passed the university entrance exam, and thus became the first university graduate with Down syndrome in Europe—an example to follow. Before long, he became a public figure and role model for Spaniards with the same genetic condition.
After completing his degree in Education, he decided to make a film based on his own life, Yo también, a role that earned him the Silver Shell for Best Actor at the San Sebastián Film Festival.
But the most important achievement in the life of this 35-year-old man has been his ability to show the world how wrong it is about people with Down syndrome. He never held back because of his differences from his classmates; he earned the admiration of all his teachers with questions that were anything but foolish, and he proclaims to anyone who will listen that he has a great capacity for love, contrary to what many people believe. Ultimately, Pablo has broken down deeply entrenched stereotypes through his effort, independence, and invaluable parental support: their trust in him and a constant dose of self-esteem.
