Just Like You – Cleft Lip & Palate is a short documentary that offers an intimate look into the life of Billy Eckles, a young boy growing up with a cleft lip and palate, alongside his closest friend.
Through honest storytelling, the film explores what it feels like to navigate visible difference, speech challenges, medical procedures, and social moments—while also highlighting confidence, humor, friendship, and resilience. By centering Billy’s voice, the film invites viewers to move beyond assumptions and see the person first, not the condition.
With insight from Dr. Bill Magee, co-founder of Operation Smile, the film provides helpful context around cleft lip and palate while keeping the focus where it belongs: on Billy’s lived experience and the relationships that shape his everyday life. The presence of a close friend helps illuminate how understanding and acceptance grow—not through explanation alone, but through shared moments and genuine connection.
The film helps viewers better understand cleft lip and palate in everyday settings such as school, home, and social environments. It is designed to reduce fear, build empathy, and create space for more compassionate conversations among peers, educators, healthcare providers, and families.
What began as a single film quickly demonstrated its impact. Just Like You – Cleft Lip & Palate has been used as an educational and empathy-building tool and continues to serve as part of a broader effort to foster inclusion and understanding through storytelling.
WHO IS THIS FILM FOR
This film is often used by:
• Educators supporting inclusive classrooms
• Families navigating cleft lip and palate and peer relationships
• Healthcare providers engaged in patient and family education
• Workplace and community groups building empathy and understanding
INTERESTED IN GOING FURTHER?
Many viewers want to do more after watching—whether that’s starting a conversation, supporting a family, or bringing this story into a classroom, workplace, healthcare system, or nonprofit setting.
The Empathy Engine™, created by Just Like You Films, builds on films like this by pairing storytelling with guided conversation and action. It is designed for group experiences that help people move from understanding to meaningful change.
If you’re interested in using this film in a group or organizational setting, we’d love to connect.
Learn more about the Empathy Engine™ →
COPYRIGHT AND USAGE NOTICE
© Just Like You Films. All rights reserved.
This film is licensed for individual, personal viewing only.
Public screenings, classroom use, workplace showings, community events, or any form of group viewing are not permitted under this license.
For educational, organizational, or institutional use—including screenings, facilitated discussions, or extended access—please contact Just Like You Films directly.