Sunday, April 20, 2014

In new documentary, 'Too Sane for this World,' 12 autistic adults share their stories about life on the spectrum

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.