About this Short Film
Taco Tuesday (John Lawson, United States, 2022) is a short film screening at the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival. Quiet and observant, it explores themes of achievement, congenital disability and Down Syndrome alongside threads of crime, heroism and the challenges of young adulthood. Lawson’s work offers a respectful, unflashy view of people negotiating hopes, setbacks and moments of courage. The film sits comfortably within the festival’s aim to showcase the abilities and achievements of people with disability, inviting audiences to reflect rather than judge. Suitable for programme discussions, Taco Tuesday sparks conversation about representation, resilience and the variety of human experience.
Film Details
Film Transcript
How did you get in here? You're not supposed to be here. We need to speak with your manager, Marcy. Tell her it's an emergency.
So what do you want for lunch? Tacos. We had tacos yesterday. Monday was yesterday. And your point is? Today is Taco Tuesday.
Hi, how can I help you? That's a lovely outfit. Well, thank you very much. I am—
Wait — is this some kind of sales call? What is that? That is a literal ticking clock. And, um, why is it on my counter?
In three minutes you have a truck that's going to leave here carrying approximately three million dollars' worth of artwork that you are transporting for your client. How did you know that? Shortly after it passes through the gate outside it's going to be hijacked by two armed men wearing ski masks driving an SUV.
This is some kind of joke, right? Is this some kind of joke? I... I don't understand.
Well, unfortunately I don't have the time to explain it right now, but the gist of it is that my sister here has the ability to see into the future. Look, I don't have time for this. Look, think of a word, something totally random. Okay. Tell me when you have the word. Pumpernickel. Okay, what does it say? Pumpernickel.
Look, I really don't buy this. I mean, if she could see in the future, I mean, she should be playing the lottery. Yeah, well most people would, but she chooses to solve crimes. This is how she chooses to honour the memory of our mother.
Look, you've got to stop that truck. Cancel the delivery. Call the police. I... I can't stop the truck. My client is expecting those pieces. What does it say? It says Emerson, Failure and Abigail. You recognise those names? Those are the driver's children. They give speeches at his funeral. He's going to die. He doesn't have to. She doesn't need a cape to fight crime. Rate this. No, no, no.
Oh my God, oh my God. Hello, 9-1-1? We have an emergency. We need the police right here. Find our warehouse. Let's do this.
Find you in tacos. I sense what nobody else is tense. Kind enough we can change anything. Day.
Filmmaker
John Lawson is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from John Lawson.
Jamie Brewer does it again. Great short film with drama humour and .. tacos
Wow this is beautiful continue the good work
Great Work