Cinema Libre Studio press release: Watch the trailer
here.
LOS ANGELES -- In Too Sane for this World, director William Davenport allows 12 adults with
different types of autism (PDD-NOS) to let their voices be heard. The
film, shot and edited with a mostly autistic crew, became available
on DVD on April 8 with On Demand options to follow in May.
The film features twelve people, some with Aspergers Syndrome and
others considered “high-functioning” autistic, such as Temple Grandin
(author and professor), Robyn Steward (a musician and trainer/mentor for
others on the spectrum), Greg Yates (who studied biophysics and
psychology at U.C. Berkeley and MIT respectively) and Rudy Simone, who
has written four best-selling books on Asperger's.
The film, which was
an official selection at the Hawaii International Film Festival and was
an honorable mention that the SAMHSA Voice Awards in 2012, also features
other adults who are perhaps less high-functioning but are still
working hard to find a meaningful place in our society.
In the film,
Steward suggests, “No matter what somebody’s disability is, they have a
great number of things to offer to the world. And it’s just a matter of
being able to see those things and work around them. Because even the
most able-bodied person has difficulties if you think about it.”
The Autcast says: “This film does not minimize
the problems of autistic adults by pretending that autism has not made
life difficult and painful for most of us. But it does not
over-dramatize our problems to try to get you to feel sorry for us or to
give somebody money. Too Sane for This World does not present us as a
tragic puzzle or a sophisticated freak show.It shows us as people.”
Davenport (Citizen Autistic) has worked in commercial film production
for years and developed educational courses on digital filmmaking for
U.C. Berkeley, San Francisco State and the Art Institute of San
Francisco before. He also has earned a Masters in Special Education
with a certificate in autism studies. He became the Executive Director
of the Autism Social Connection in Northern California, where he created
a unique filmmaking program to teach skills to children, teens and
adults on the spectrum. He recently relocated to Washington, DC and
currently teaches filmmaking at the Ivymount School.
“This film is about breaking the myths of how we view people on the
autism spectrum. It is about giving a voice, where a voice has been
silenced by society," Davenport says. "The general public needs essential information
about autism, and the true nature of living on the spectrum.”
“Too Sane for This World, tells the heartfelt story of
adults living on the autism spectrum. Davenport’s insightful interviews
and arresting camerawork take us into the lives of these
extraordinary and yet often misunderstood individuals. The film is a
must-see for teachers, professionals and parents who work with
Asperger’s and AS,” says Camilla Bixler, Co-Director AASCEND (Autism,
Asperger Syndrome Coalition for Education, Networking and Development). A
percentage of Davenport’s profits will be donated to AASCEND.
SYNOPSIS: Too Sane for This World explores
the challenges, gifts, and distinct perspectives of 12 adults on the
autism spectrum. Featuring an introduction by bestselling author, Dr.
Temple Grandin, and interviews designed by adults with high-functioning
autism, the film discusses many of the problems facing the autism
community – from bullying to marginalization and discrimination. A
unique collaboration between neurotypical and atypical individuals, men
and women living on the spectrum speak candidly about defining and
coming to terms with their autism, difficulties they’ve faced, and the
experiences that have shaped their lives, illustrating the
neurodiversity of the mind and its limitless potential.
The 63 minute documentary will become available in North America on
April 8 on DVD (at traditional DVD retails outlets) and streaming
platforms to follow on month later (May 8, 2014). Content includes
discussion on signs and symptoms of autism and aspergers; autism
testing and self-identification, career paths and more. Bonus features
include: “Space Cadet” Music Video, by Array, featuring Robyn Steward
and Mark Tinley (formerly of Duran Duran), Trailer and Interactive
menus.
TECHNICAL DETAILS: USA | Documentary | Unrated | 63 minutes | Directed by William Davenport
DVD DETAILS: CLS 1191| 881394119123 | SRP: $ 19.95
Movie available at CinemaLibreStore.com, Amazon and other retail outlets.
COMING TO STREAMING ONLINE & ‘ON DEMAND’ (Amazon Instant, Hulu, Cinema Libre On Demand)– May 8, 2014.
