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Short summary

The intimate story of a woman with Down syndrome and her brother's quest to fulfill her dream of becoming a Hollywood diva even as it threatens his own dream of getting married.
Documentary chronicling the intimate story of an aspiring actor who brings his sister, born with Down syndrome, out to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of becoming a Hollywood diva. But as her health begins to fail and she becomes increasing jealous of his fiancée, he is forced to confront his co-dependent sibling relationship and the threat it is posing on his engagement.

Trailers "Kelly's Hollywood (2015)"

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: Arith
    Every so often a film comes along that has the power to transform you. Kelly's Hollywood is such a film. A documentary no less. Written produced and directed by Brian Donovan, Kelly's brother. A life lesson with all the shattering nuances of life itself. To sit through this exquisite 82 minutes is a life affirming experience that I know I will carry with me forever. Madly in love with Colin Firth, Brian helps his sister fall asleep counting Colin Firths...Colin Firth one, Colin Firth two. Kelly, for the ones of us who were lucky enough to have known you, came out of the theater moved but rejoicing on this tribute by your Brian who is, apart from everything else, a cinematic gem. I love you both.
  • comment
    • Author: Pooker
    In this surprisingly funny and heartwarming movie, a brother supports his sister with Down Syndrome in her dream of becoming a Hollywood star. It's layered and fascinating - we see the smoke and mirrors of him pretending she's shooting TV shows (with real stars on real sets mind you), but then when her health starts to fail, he really does create a one woman show for her to perform in. It becomes a bit of a thriller - will she pull it off for real? A great look into how we could all be better siblings/more caring about the people we love no matter who they are. Some great cameos from David Hasselhoff, Colin Firth and the cast of Cold Case.
  • comment
    • Author: Sadaron above the Gods
    I had the privilege of seeing this wonderful film, Kelly's Hollywood by Brian Donovan, in the Dances With Films Festival in Hollywood. It shook my heart like a snow globe and caused flurries of laughter, tears, hope and renewed my faith in what's possible. It's the kind of story telling that inspires all who see it to be better, play harder, laugh more, live more fully and to love wholeheartedly and to NEVER STOP DREAMING. Congratulations to the film maker. You mastered this thing that is so very, very hard to do---and to the heroine Kelly Donavon. I wish Kelly's Hollywood movie screens everywhere. #seethisfilm #kellyshollywood #downsyndromeawareness #laughandcryandlaughsomemore
  • comment
    • Author: Falya
    Kelly's Hollywood was exactly what we needed to see last week.We laughed, we cried, we were inspired! Follow along as Kelly's brother Brian works to make her Hollywood dreams come true. You'll start at the beginning and meet the family that grew up in Buffalo, NY. When Brian moves to Hollywood to pursue his dreams he works just as hard to make sure Kelly also has her moment to shine in the spotlight. Each year Kelly spends two months with her brother enjoying everyday life and looking for her favorite Hollywood crushes. Persistence pays off as the two meet The Bee Gee's, Danny Pino, Colin Firth and many others. Over the years the pair goes from singing and dancing with friends to a "this is your life" style show with Kelly's name finally in lights on the marquee. Together, they will inspire you to live life with passion and most importantly love. This is a heartwarming film that your entire family will enjoy.
  • comment
    • Author: Breder
    It was so incredibly touching to see the relationship between Brian and his sister Kelly. Kelly had an infectious personality and was determined in everything she did. Brian is just as determined and he did everything he could to help Kelly reach her dreams as well as his own. Their Mom, Dad, brother and Brian's wife as well as all of their friends are there to do everything they could to help Brian make all things possible for Kelly. You will laugh and cry as you become intertwined in this relationship as you hope for all things possible for Kelly. This is an once in a lifetime movie experience you will only regret if you don't take the time to see.
  • comment
    • Author: Steel balls
    I saw this at the LA premiere and cannot wait to see it again and share with friends. Absolutely heartbreaking and uplifting and joyous and inspirational all at once. It stayed with me for weeks after I saw it. It needs to get a release somewhere so everyone else can partake. A truly moving experience. There were so many surprise elements too that I didn't see coming and the reaction from the audience was terrific. You learn so much from Kelly and her family and even if this isn't something you can specifically relate to you find within yourself elements of her and the family. I can't rave enough. Really grateful I got to see it.
  • comment
    • Author: Yozshubei
    Although the title and poster art for Kelly's Hollywood would suggest that this is a movie about the life of a woman with Down syndrome (and it is), it's also a documentary about family, and how a brother and sister find ways to stay together as time and their personal lives stretch them further apart. While I learned so many things about the utterly charming Kelly, it was also a pleasure to dive into the idiosyncrasies of brother Brian and their parents. And as I watch the film I can't help but wonder: are their quirks a reaction to Kelly? Or is she who she is because of who they are? Throw in an amazing group of friends, supporters, Cold Case series regulars and The Bee Gees and you've got yourself a remarkable portrait of a captivating life.

    I highly recommend this documentary to anybody and everybody. Say what you want about Tinsel Town, but Kelly's Hollywood has universal appeal.
  • comment
    • Author: Alianyau
    Kelly's Hollywood is thought provoking in so many ways, not only making us aware of the challenges of others different abilities, but taking us to different levels of love, joy, sadness, jealousy and so many other emotions. I recommend this to anyone who might enjoy riding an emotional roller coaster for an hour and eight minutes.
  • comment
    • Author: Impala Frozen
    This documentary was a beautiful story about a brother's love and hopes for his younger sister, who just happens to have Down syndrome. You are laughing one minute and crying the next.
  • comment
    • Author: Detenta
    This lovely film is a love story between a brother who is mission is to make his sisters dream being a star in Hollywood come true. An absolute must see for everyone of all ages.
  • comment
    • Author: Kupidon
    Kelly and Brian Donovan were utterly devoted to each other as siblings and best friends. The depth of love that they shared is evident in almost every frame of this documentary, making it an exceptional viewing entertainment suitable for ages 6 and up. That Kelly was a special needs adult is secondary to the journey Brian Donovan takes us on as he attempts, quite successfully, to understand what the price and rewards are for greatest of life's gifts--unconditional love. In a time as crass as the one we are now in I can't think of better film to get people back in touch with their own humanity.
  • comment
    • Author: Haracetys
    A story of a brother's love for his special sister and how he made her dreams come true. I wish we had more true to life stories like this.
  • comment
    • Author: Love Me
    Brian is truly the change he'd wants to see in the world! ...and I want to live in that world. Bravo! This is a beautiful film that celebrates the spirit of an amazing woman, a inspiring brother and an incredible family.

    See this film! It will fill your heart and reaffirm your belief in humanity.
  • comment
    • Author: Goldendragon
    This beautiful gem of a film will inspire you to love and live more fully. When Brian an actor in Hollywood wants to make his sister with Down syndrome dreams come true, he does everything in his power to make her life rich and full. This film will pull at your heartstrings, have you think about the limiting perceptions we hold because someone is "different" when really love is the only language we need. This film reminds us of just that! There is conflict in this documentary too that will keep you riveted as to how this beautiful family shares, loves and lives.
  • comment
    • Author: Melipra
    Kelly's Hollywood was real - real heartwarming, real emotional, real inspiring, real funny and real life. The incredible real story of a brother and sister who shared a bond and a love for each other that few ever have the privilege to experience.

    Do yourself and favor and sit down, with friends and family, and experience the life of Kelly Donovan. You will laugh, your will cry, but mostly you will smile and you will never be the same again!
  • comment
    • Author: Andromakus
    A fascinating chronicle of a family dealing with a sister with Down Syndrome, but not for the reasons cited on most of these reviews. I watched this because I have worked with Down Syndrome adults for a number of years, hoping to see a family who deal with this disability with aplomb. Oh dear...The film's creator, Brian Donovan, and the friends who have left reviews here on IMDB have not addressed the most compelling aspect of this story: that Brian and Kelly have an entirely obsessive, unhealthy, and inappropriate adult relationship, and force their adoration for each other on everyone around them without considering the consequences. There are flickers of the truth in his roommate's annoyance screened by a polite face on camera, several ex-girlfriends saying that Brian would alternate with Kelly in sleeping arrangements with them, and his mom's patient suggestions that maybe he should get a life and stop making her fly across the country to indulge this compulsive behavior - I'd eat my hat if his mom is happy with her life. Both he and his father are utterly disrespectful of Mom, the dad pulling "she's insane" faces as if it's funny when she's trying to tell them how she feels, and nobody listens. Kelly, as a result, is a spoiled brat. This family is so deluded, for example, a lawyer cousin tells us a story where Kelly sent a legal letter from him to a supervisor she crushed on accusing him of sexual abuse. The family found this endearing! Imagine the poor supervisor! Down Syndrome people aren't stupid, sexless, or cute, and yet Kelly is treated this way constantly, and gets away with near-murder with Brian, who coos and ahs at her at every turn. There's nothing "amazing" about her, she's just his sister, but he embarrasses everyone constantly by forcing her on his friends, agents, and even film and TV stars, who feel obliged to come to a ridiculous event "celebrating" her talents, which sorry, are non-existent. His career must be in the pan because of this obsession. This is car-crash watching, and I doubt Brian and his family have ever come to terms with their Munchausen-esque behaviour towards their disabled family member, who they patronized into a corner until she was sexless, friendless, and lonely to a fault, as they ended up treating a 39-year-old as if she was a child, even though she could drive and work a job, and had ideas of her own, a creative streak and a wicked sense of humor. I really hope this Brian doesn't have a daughter, it would be hellish. Temphany his wife is the unsung hero of this film, not Kelly. What A STAR she is! Wow, saint-like patience with this weird situation. Hope they all go to therapy now Kelly has passed... Goes in the box with "Grey Gardens" and "Mini" for me. Narcissism gone wild.
  • comment
    • Author: BlackHaze
    This film so deeply moved me. I too have a sibling with Down Syndrome and this hit very close to home with me. My sister and Kelly have very similar personalities and I think the film shows exactly what having a special needs sibling is like. Mostly, it's just like any other sibling. Down Syndrome does not have to have a negative impact on a family. In fact this films proves the opposite. Brian has a special bond with Kelly and is a brother to her most will wish they had. They were incredibly blessed to have each other. Kelly, well she is so special in her own light that you can't help but to love her. This is a delightful film that will touch your heart, make you laugh, and open your eyes.
  • comment
    • Author: Keth
    This film is amazing. The strive for inclusion revolution is so prevalent in this film. Brian Donovan is a great director for this film. He made Kelly's dream come true and this is the story of it all. It is a must watch!!
  • comment
    • Author: Dolid
    I was touched to see Brian's devotion to his sister Kelly. Love is a double edged sword, and "Kelly's Hollywood" illustrates both edges: smooth, yet sharp. Although Brian took on the role of superhero brother to Kelly, his savior complex also enabled her, stunting some of her emotional growth, and I commend Brian's willingness to acknowledge his own flaws within their relationship. It takes courage to be vulnerable, and both Kelly and Brian pull back the curtain and show us their complex, layered relationship, worts and all. I appreciated the honesty depicted in their love for each other. It is beautiful because of its imperfections.
  • comment
    • Author: Sudert
    I highly recommend Brian Donovan's documentary, Kelly's Hollywood. This is a film that highlights a brother's love for a sister that has been given challenges. The film not only entertains but illustrates that a purpose filled life isn't about achieving wealth, possession and status but about being selfless and giving back. Donavon hits all the right notes in this touching love story to his sister.
  • comment
    • Author: Mikale
    The most impactful documentation of humanity I've ever seen.

    As a movie fanatic, I've run the gamut, but I don't think I've ever been as affected by a film as much as I was by the tale of these siblings and their friends. It felt surpremely honest.

    I sincerely applaud the filmmakers, but more so the subjects of those beautiful lives.

    I would give this a thousand stars if I could.

    Bravo.
  • comment
    • Author: Rleillin
    This film redefines love when it comes to a pair of siblings and their dreams, not to mention their way to stardom. Brian and Kelly were AMAZING! The story itself is as well. They helped each other through all odds. Between Brian and his own troubles and his sister's troubles, they got through them together. Their love really shown through, and I'd give them all the Oscars if I could

    But I give the film these thumbs up: ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
  • comment
    • Author: Adrietius
    One of our favorite movies as a family. It has such an important message of inclusion and should be watched my students at every school. We feel like we know Kelly personally and her story is a must see!
  • comment
    • Author: Anarahuginn
    This is a wonderful movie about a brother's love for his sister, and visa versa. This is what family is all about. I was entertained from beginning to end. Do yourself a favor and take the time to watch Kelly's Hollywood. You won't be sorry.
  • comment
    • Author: Auau
    This is a beautiful film! The amount of love this guy has for his sister, and the amount of life flowing out of Kelly is infectious. You won't be disappointed!
  • Credited cast:
    Brian Donovan Brian Donovan - Himself
    Kelly Donovan Kelly Donovan - Herself
    Kathryn Morris Kathryn Morris - Herself
    Danny Pino Danny Pino - Himself
    Charlie Schlatter Charlie Schlatter - Himself
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