In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation held their inaugural film festival. The non-profit teamed up with Docademia to bring the reality of living with autism to the screen, through two films.
“One of the best ways to create awareness is connection, and I think we can all agree now that film and video is one of the best ways we all connect. So the idea of a film festival was fun,” said Carrie Provenzale, the executive director at Turning Pointe.
What Films Were Presented at The Film Festival?
The videos depict the real-life issues faced by two young men on the spectrum.
“They’re going to show you how any person is capable of doing something that he or she is passionate about,” said Nassim Abdi, CEO of Docademia. “And showing how capable you can be regardless of what society or situations [try to define you as].”
‘The Pleasing List’ follows Jonathan Carlander as he goes on a first date. The film shows the struggles those with Asperger’s Syndrome may have in a crowded place.
The second film was ‘A Life With Asperger’s’. The animated documentary portrays the life of Emmett Goodman, and how he’s had to overcome anxiety and social isolation.
Goal of the Films
Goodman hopes by sharing just some of his story, he can break through some barriers and bring people into his world with a better understanding.
“You can grow up to live an independently fulfilling life and that’s probably the things I’m most proudest of life with Asperger’s,” said Goodman.
Naperville news 17’s Christian Canizal reports.
