The Mayor: A Chronicle of Williams Syndrome
A documentary by Jake Jakubowski
About the documentary
The Mayor: A Chronicle of Williams Syndrome is a documentary centered on Josh Duffy of Brunswick, Maine, offering an intimate and thoughtful exploration of life with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder known for its distinctive blend of cognitive challenges and extraordinary social and emotional openness. Through a deeply personal lens, the film examines Josh’s experiences, highlighting both the complexities of the condition and the remarkable qualities that define his character, including his profound empathy, natural charisma, and enduring love of music.
Produced and directed by Jake Jakubowski, the documentary presents a nuanced portrait of a man whose presence is widely felt within his community, yet not fully understood by many who know him. At 42 years old, Josh has lived a life marked by both significant challenges and inspiring achievements. From earning a gold medal at the Special Olympics to demonstrating an exceptional memory for stories and personal connections that span decades, his journey reflects a unique combination of resilience, intelligence, and emotional depth.
Throughout the film, viewers are invited beyond surface impressions to gain a fuller understanding of who Josh truly is an individual whose warmth and openness create instant connections, yet whose lived experience with Williams syndrome involves ongoing mental and physical obstacles. His ability to navigate these realities while maintaining an unwavering positivity offers a compelling and humanizing perspective on the condition.
At its core, The Mayor: A Chronicle of Williams Syndrome is not only a documentary about a rare genetic disorder, but a portrait of a life defined by connection, perseverance, and an extraordinary capacity for compassion. Josh Duffy emerges as a figure whose genuine kindness and enthusiasm leave a lasting impression on all those he encounters, embodying a spirit that transcends the limitations often associated with his condition.
Josh Duffy
Josh Duffy is the subject of the documentary called The Mayor: A Chronicle of Williams Syndrome. In this Documentary through interviews and footage, we get to see what it's like living with Williams syndrome, and the effect that Josh has had on everyone that he meets.
As quoted by everyone that he meets, Josh Duffy is an amazing, heart warming, empathetic human being. In this day and age where there is so much turmoil in the world, being around josh and his love, is a breath of fresh air.
Josh was born in California, and at around the age of seven, moved to Pagosa Springs Colorado, where he made quite the impact.
During his time in Colorado, he graduated High School and won a gold metal in the Special Olympics in the category, Down Hill Slalom.
During his adult years, Josh and his mom moved to Maine, where he has been living ever since. With his mother's help, he has been living in his own apartment.
By his own account, living with Williams syndrome is tough, because he always feels alone. He has so much love to give and sometimes that love isn't reciprocated. Despite feeling alone, Josh is always ready to give a huge hug and loves everyone!
Meet the Director
Jake Jakubowski is an independent filmmaker, director, and producer whose work centers on telling human stories with authenticity and emotional depth. Working primarily in documentary form, he approaches each project with a focus on connection both between subject and audience, and within the communities he documents. His filmmaking style blends observational storytelling with a strong sense of place, often drawing from real-world experiences to highlight resilience, creativity, and the everyday moments that define people’s lives. Through his work, Jakubowski aims to create films that are not only informative, but deeply personal and widely accessible, reflecting a commitment to sharing meaningful stories with a broad audience.