THE VOICE

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Meet Patrice at the Vinfen Film Festival on March 28

Love should be simple. For Patrice Jetter and Garry Wickham, it has been anything but. 

The couple have spent more than 30 years building a life together. But if they were to legally marry, they would risk losing the government benefits they rely on to live independently. It is called the “marriage penalty,” and it’s at the center of Patrice: The Movie, the Emmy Award-winning documentary screening at the Vinfen Film Festival on March 28. 

The film is an eye-opening look at the challenges—from the smaller aspects of daily life to the systemic limitations imposed by the American government—faced by people living with disabilities. Deeply personal, yet universally relatable, it’s a powerful human story about love, perseverance, resilience, community, and the fight for equity. 

Patrice and Garry, the stars of this inspiring and heartfelt documentary, will be joining us on March 28 for the screening and discussion panel, talking about their life together and their advocacy efforts. We were fortunate enough to speak with them recently.  

Q: How did you first meet?  

GARRY: We’ve known each other for over 30 years. We were attending the same workshop, and I noticed her because she was wearing her crossing guard uniform. We hit it off and became friends, and kept in touch for years. We got much closer after different members of my family developed health issues. 

PATRICE: Whenever we spent time together, we always had fun. Somewhere along the way, I realized, “I could never get tired of him.” 

Q: What sort of reaction have you gotten from people who’ve seen the film? 

GARRY: Nothing but positive feedback, really. And one thing that we constantly hear from people is that they had no idea about the Medicare rules and regulations—they had no clue about the marriage restriction. 

PATRICE: We get recognized a lot now, which is pretty cool. We’ve had people ask us for autographs. 

Q: What are some of the most special moments that you’ve experienced since the film came out? 

GARRY: A huge thing for us was being invited to the White House and having dinner with President Biden. 

PATRICE: And being in Washington, D.C. to speak at the National Mall—having the opportunity to get the word out to as many people as possible about the reforms that need to be made. We met Nancy Pelosi, and some really great legislators who stood up against the recent Medicare cuts. 

GARRY: Patrice went on “The View,” and Whoopi wanted to sit down, there and then, and write a letter to Congress in support of reform! 

Q: How closely did you collaborate with Ted (Passon, director), and how much creative input did you have into the style of the film? 

PATRICE: I met Ted through my niece, Kim, and we just clicked. If that introduction had never happened, I don’t think the film would’ve been made. Making the film was a case of two creative minds getting together and having a lot of fun. 

Prior to the film, I had been trying to write my life story in graphic novel form. So, when we did the movie, the script was based on what I’d been writing, and a lot of the set design was created from my drawings. 

It was Ted’s idea to have the adults in my life played by children. Casting adults didn’t feel like it had the same impact—animation was considered, but it didn’t really work. The use of the kid actors was really fun and just seemed to be the right fit. 

Q: What was the process of making the film like for you? You both seem remarkably comfortable sharing your lives on film. 

PATRICE: It was a lot of fun for me. I’m pretty comfortable on camera—I’ve made a number of short films of my own, and I used to have a cable access show. It was about a person with a disability who could do just about anything—I had kids write in and suggest things for me to try. 

GARRY: I had some experience with public speaking—when I was a kid, I was a poster child for the Elks Club, and I would go to dinners and talk to people. Making a film, though, is hard work—a lot of long hours. I told Ted that now I understand why so many Hollywood actors start drinking.  

Q: The film touches on some very difficult moments in your lives, and the very serious fight you’re undertaking to gain the same rights as everyone else. But there’s also a great joyous spirit that fills the film. Was striking that balance difficult for you? 

PATRICE: It was important to me that we brought a positivity to it. It’s easy for disabled people to feel angry, upset, frustrated about things in their lives. We’re going through tough times right now, but I really do believe that things are going to get better. 

GARRY: We just have to keep fighting for the lives we want. 

PATRICE: And we will. I’m not going to go away. They’re going to remember the lady in the colorful outfits. 

Q: We’re excited that you’ll be joining us at the Film Festival. Have the two of you been to Boston before? 

GARRY: I’ve never been to Boston, and don’t know too much about the city. I do have to admit that I’m a Yankees fan, so I was told I could expect a hard time if I wear my baseball cap! 

PATRICE: I’ve been a few times. I had a penpal who lived in Chelsea, so when there was no school, I would sometimes get on a train and come up from New Jersey. That was years ago—you guys were still working on that Big Dig. Did that ever get finished? (laughs) 

Q: What do you ultimately hope people will take away from seeing Patrice: The Movie? 

PATRICE: I think people will laugh, and cry, and most of all, think. We really hope it will open people’s eyes up and give them a better understanding of the challenges people with disabilities live with beyond their actual disabilities. And we hope it will inspire people to support change. 

Join us March 28 for The Vinfen Film Festival! To purchase tickets for Patrice: The Movie, or to see the complete festival program, visit www.vinfen.org/film-festival.