An acclaimed documentary is capturing the hearts of thousands.

It features a local teenager as he approaches manhood and the most important day of his life.

Video Report

You just can't help but fall in love with the teen at the center of the film. His name is Lior and he is from local area.

Lior Liebling is a lively 16-year-old from Mt. Airy starring in a documentary about his life.

The movie "Praying with Lior" is an intimate look at a quick-witted, funny and loving boy and the challenges he faces leading-up to the biggest day of his life -- his bar mitzvah.

He just happens to have Down syndrome, something Lior isn't shy about sharing with the world.

"Because this way, everybody knows me better. Everybody knows I have Down syndrome. And everybody knows I'm taking special needs and special ed classes. It's who I am and what I do," Lior said.

The film, shot over three years, is being hailed by critics as touching, profound and uplifting.

"I think it was a great experience for me being in that spotlight that I want to be in," Lior said.

NBC 10's Denise Nakano met Lior at the Bala Theater in Bala Cynwyd, Montgomery County, where the movie is now playing.

Nakano said she saw for myself the way Lior and the film moves people.

For some, it was their second, even third time watching the movie, Nakano reported.

"There aren't words. He's the best and he's such an inspiration," Janet Neufeld, of Philadelphia, said.

"I have Down syndrome too, the same as Lior. So, I've grown up so fast. And it's a story about me, my life," Kate Kietman, of Philadelphia, said.

"Praying with Lior" is a story everyone can relate to, no matter what your religion, Nakano reported.

"First, it's a personal story, but it has universal themes and how warmly people have embraced this movie has been a surprise," Rabbi Mordechai Liebling, Lior's father, said.

Lior is a warm-hearted boy, whose energy seems to rub off on everyone he meets, Nakano reported.

"His emotional IQ is enormous, way off the charts high. His heart is open," Mordechai said.

Lior is a boy who loves to give hugs and it didn't take Nakano long to find that out for herself.

"I'm a huggable guy," Lior said.

"Give me a hug, nice hug. Nice hug," Nakano said.

Lior is 16 years old now and a junior in high school. Next week, he's headed to his junior prom.

Beyond that he said he hopes to make it to Los Angeles and become an actor.

"Praying with Lior" is playing now through next Friday at the Bala Theater in Bala Cynwyd.