MobilityWorks Supports Actor Tobias Forrest on His Journey to the Big Screen with DARUMA

MobilityWorks is proud to celebrate the release of DARUMA, an independent film making cinematic history with its authentic casting of two lead actors with disabilities in a story that’s not about disability. One of those stars is Tobias Forrest, an actor and advocate whose journey to the premiere is as inspiring as the film itself.

When DARUMA premiered, MobilityWorks had the privilege of providing Tobias with a rental vehicle so he could travel to the event with ease. For Tobias, this wasn’t his first connection with MobilityWorks. Our paths have crossed multiple times, including as a valued client of our service department – a testament to the role mobility plays in empowering individuals to pursue their dreams.

Tobias credits his friend and co-star John Lawson, a fellow actor and double arm amputee, for convincing him to audition for the film. As a quadriplegic, Tobias was hesitant due to concerns about accurately portraying the character’s physicalities as a paraplegic, but he was reassured by the director’s vision: “They didn’t care about seeing me transfer in and out of a car. They cared about how I could bring this character to life.”

The result is a poignant story centered not on disability, but on humanity. DARUMA tells the story of two men who find redemption through their shared love and responsibility for a little girl. Tobias’s portrayal captures the essence of fatherhood, love and resilience.

“This movie is about fathers and daughters,” Tobias explained. “It’s not about two guys with disabilities. It’s about two guys who have failed in their job and their responsibility in the most important role they could possibly fill in their lives. I hope that it inspires conversation about disability, inclusion and employment of people with disabilities on camera, but I hope it also inspires conversations between family members about relationships and communication.”

Dedication to authentic representation was crucial in DARUMA, where Tobias and John Lawson not only brought their characters to life but also proved that actors with disabilities can lead compelling, universal stories. “Hopefully, this film will inspire conversations and lay the model that people with disabilities can be trusted to bring these characters to life,” Tobias said.

Aside from DARUMA, Tobias continues to break barriers in the entertainment industry. From voiceover narration to roles in television shows like Law & Order: Organized Crime, his career is a great example of the limitless potential of authentic representation.

MobilityWorks is honored to play a small role in Tobias’s journey. Accessibility is at the heart of everything we do, and stories like Tobias’s remind us why it’s so important for our clients to have the mobility they need to “be there” for life’s important moments.

You can rent DARUMA today on Amazon and Apple TV+. Check out their IMDB page to learn more about the film, and follow Tobias’s inspiring journey as it continues to unfold!