It is always so fulfilling when the life that you are living brings you back to a familiar place, but with a new perspective, clarity, and gained growth. Years ago, Leesa and Leslee, twin sisters, attended the University of Oklahoma. They were the first twins on the cheer squad. Leslee, always having a great love for her alma mater and a passion to serve others, went on to become a teacher and mother. She is the mother of an extraordinary young woman named Drew, whose diagnosis of Down Syndrome at birth has propelled connection, outreach, and positive impact for not only the Down syndrome community and the Indigenous peoples, but also the community of The University of Oklahoma and beyond. 

Dr. Belinda Biscoe and Dr. Nina Barbee share the love of the University of Oklahoma and that same passion to serve their community. The American Institute (Aii), 74 years young, led by Dr. Nina Barbee (Choctaw Citizen, film technical advisor) and Director of Continuing Education is under the umbrella of University Outreach, led by Dr. Belinda Biscoe as the Senior Associate Vice President, positioned as a connection hub to collaborate with individuals, groups, and communities seeking powerful solutions to contemporary issues, its mission is to positively affect the education, health, and cultural well-being of Indigenous peoples. 

When  Drew‘s grandfather, Steve, decided to create a movie by casting Drew as the hero of an adventure-filled movie that celebrated members of the Down syndrome community, the American Indian Institute (Aii) under University Outreach at The University of Oklahoma stepped up in a big way, connecting the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma to a movie about a little girl with Down syndrome and an Indigenous boy, in the hope to highlight the relevance of these groups of extraordinary individuals that have sometimes been marginalized by this world. 

We all love stories, and every story has a beginning... 

Why “Drew’s World”? 

Mr. Steven Vandrilla, Drew’s grandfather and founder of Avoke Productions, created a story featuring a beautiful little girl with Down Syndrome. As a loving grandfather well aware of the unique gifts his granddaughter shared with her family and the world, he wanted a story that would live forever inspiring all those touched by Drew’s loving heart and made strong by the bravery of her American Indian friend, Bo, as they would share a magical adventure in the Hochatown woods of Oklahoma. Mr. Vandrilla knew that big dreams require big talent, so he began the mission of putting together a Dream Team that was to be born and bred in our beautiful state from its creative people. 

The animated feature film “Drew’s World” is being created here in Oklahoma with the help of executive producer Max Howard. Max, whose steady creative hand has led both Disney and Warner Animation, under his tenure producing some of the world’s most successful animation with movies like Lion King, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Space Jam, and many others. Max Howard is a film producer and has run studios for Walt Disney Feature Animation in London, Paris, Orlando and Los Angeles, and was president of Warner Bros. Feature Animation.

“Representation matters, not just for our people, but everyone who learns through these stories,” said Choctaw Chief Gary Batton. 

Drew’s World is an animated feature film that highlights native culture and connection through an uplifting story of friendship and understanding. This movie hopes to be more than an animated film, aiming to connect viewers and communities locally and globally.