Julian Pelle Blaustein Rejto, 18, from film "For Love of Julian" dies
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Julian Pelle Blaustein Rejto, the subject of the documentary, "For
Love of Julian," died Sunday at Westchester Medical Center in
Valhalla. He was 18.
Born Jan. 22, 1989, in Albany, Julian was five weeks premature and
severely disabled. He was the son of Laurent Rejto and Meira
Blaustein, founders of the Woodstock Film Festival.
Blaustein wrote and directed 1999's "For Love of Julian," which was
narrated by actress Susan Sarandon and produced by Farmhouse Films.
With the deeply personal documentary, Blaustein aimed to recognize the
humanity in children with multiple disabilities and dispel the fears
and mysteries surrounding them.
A memorial service for Blaustein Rejto took place Wednesday at The
Center for Discovery in Harris.
The center, where the young man lived since age 5, offers programs for
children diagnosed with significant disabilities including autism,
pervasive developmental disorders, cerebral palsy, mental retardation
and neurological impairments, according to its Web site.
Blaustein Rejto is survived by his parents; his brothers, Daniel and
Adam; his maternal grandfather, Ikutiel Blaustein; and his paternal
grandmother, Michelle Rejto.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made
in Julian Pelle Blaustein Rejto's name to The Center for Discovery,
P.O. Box 840, Benmosche Road, Harris, NY 12742.
For more information, visit www.farmhousefilms.net.
By Kathleen Wereszynski Murray
Poughkeepsie Journal