Magnificent Burden

Rob Nelson's Magnificent Burden confounds expectations at every turn. At first you're watching a high-wattage tabloid expose about an unruly spoiled Manhattan socialite. Then you learn that Taylor Stein, the daughter of a wealthy club owner, is seeking to adopt a baby from overseas. When Taylor becomes entangled in an international baby trafficking ring, she reluctantly goes undercover for the FBI to save a little boy. Fast forward to a terrible discovery that threatens the boy's life. Now Taylor is thrust into the world of genetic technology and a high-stakes battle between Big Pharma, Congress, and saving the lives of children diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. You will stand up and cheer for this remarkable Don Quixote tilting at windmills. (Napa Valley Film Festival)