Hallmark to premiere a new romance centered on a lead character with Down syndrome

Hallmark Movies & Mysteries is set to debut a new romantic flick presenting the story of a lead character with Down syndrome, Entertainment Tonight reported this week. The film titled "Color My World With Love" recently wrapped production and follows Kendall—played by Lily D. Moore, known for her role in "Never Have I Ever"—a talented artist with Down syndrome who creates beautiful paintings in the impressionist style reflecting the reality of her subjects as she sees them. Her mother, Emma (played by Erica Durance), and grandmother, Bev (brought to life by Karen Kruper), are Kendall's biggest sources of support, enabling her to lead a happy and fulfilling life. 

Kendall's life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Brad (played by David DeSanctis) in a cooking class at the local center for diverse learners, and romance blossoms. "While Emma has spent the last 22 years trying to protect her daughter, she has reservations about Kendall and Brad’s new relationship, especially when it quickly moves in a serious direction. Not wanting Kendall to experience heartbreak, Emma tries to slow things down. With the help of Nic (Benjamin Ayres), a longtime family friend of Brad’s, Emma slowly accepts that Kendall is ready to—and should—live her own life," the film synopsis states.

Over the course of Kendall and Brad's relationship, "Emma learns a lesson from Kendall about how to look beyond what’s in front of you and see the beauty that exists. And, just maybe, she finds herself ready to find love once again." In a statement addressing her role in the film, Moore said: "Everyone has a dream to fall in love and get married one day, even people with disabilities. I hope viewers take away that Color My World With Love is about painting your own story through your emotions and that we all have endless possibilities."

"Color My World With Love" is due to air later this year. The film is directed by Peter Benson. Moore posted an Instagram story about the announcement, sharing that it was a dream come true. The day before the big announcement she shared a cute photo with her cat on Instagram and revealed how impatient she was to break the exciting news. "Wish I was as patient as Lester….Big Announcement tomorrow," she wrote.

News of the new movie was received with an overwhelmingly positive response from Hallmark viewers, flooding social media with excited comments about "Color My World With Love." Reacting to Ayres' announcement on Instagram, director Benson wrote: "You are so great in this role brother–absolutely loved working with you every day." Moore replied with similar sentiments, commenting: "It was so much fun working with you." Meanwhile, a fan who goes by @mommyhead on Instagram wrote, "As a mom with a son who sports an extra 21st chromosome, I just want to say thank you."

"Love love love! We need more of this," commented Amy Kraus, while Joanne Muniz wrote: "OMG!! This is fantastic!! My niece has down syndrome. I can't wait to see it!!!!" Blanchi Cosio posted a similar comment that reads: "Thank you !!!!! We need topics like this. Bless your hearts. That's why I love you both."