July 2 – 3 - Sydney Opera House

My Brother Vinnie
Title: My Brother Vinnie
Style: Documentary 30 mins.
Directed by: Steve McGregor
Produced by: Sarah Bond
Synopsis
Vinnie is the brother of well known actor Aaron Pederson. He has cerebral palsy and mild retardation. Aaron
made the documentary to explore the remarkable influence that the two brothers have had on each other. He
describes the joy, loyalty, responsibility, pain and resentment that they have both felt growing up with each
other under difficult circumstances. The documentary interviews Aaron, Vinnie and Mum Frances. It contrasts
Aarons life as a successful actor and Vinnie’s daily routines with community services and at home. It also
follows their journey to commemorate their grandmother’s death.
Key Concepts
• Family/kinship
• Responsibility
• Identity
• Community support
• Dependency
• Grief
Focus Questions
• The documentary deals with family expectations on yourself and others. What expectations does
Aaron have of his mother? Are these reasonable?
• My Brother Vinnie raises the issue of responsibility to family members. How has taking responsibility
taken helped Aaron through his life?
• Responsibility can be a burden and a blessing. How does Aaron describe both aspects of
responsibility?
• Describe Vinnie and Aaron’s childhood.
• “If it wasn’t for Vinnie I wouldn’t have been as responsible in my life.” What does Aaron mean by
this?
• “I can see the gift that he (Vinnie) is in my life.” How has Vinnie been a gift to Aaron?
• How does society and community support Vinnie?
• How did Vinnie and Aaron deal with the grief of their grandmothers death?
Resources
Clips and teachers notes available at http://australianscreen.com.au/titles/my-brother-vinnie/
Message Sticks Teacher Kit 2008 ©ACMI 44