VIFF ‘07: Nonfiction Features: Autism: The Musical

It’s tough not to love a project that defies definition and charts new territory, especially when children are involved and loved so much throughout.

This film documents the process that the Miracle Project went through over the past year; the funding was renewed for a year so I’m hoping for Autism: The Sequel.

I’d be surprised if any parent couldn’t learn from this film; we certainly can face our fears with it. A horrifying stat at the start says that in 1980, 1 in 10,000 children were diagnosed with autism; today it is 1 in 166.

One parent in the film went on a revealing rant about how autism kids are simply not valued. It’s hard to argue with her assertions that a cure and preventative steps simply won’t be found or taken until we do value these amazing humans. This is the royal we, of course, supported by our collective lack of support.

This is an upbeat film that doesn’t hide the pain, the challenges, the joy, or the love.

Screenings:
Tuesday, Oct 2nd @ 4:30pm: Pacific Cinematheque
Friday, Oct 5th @ 7:00pm: Vancity Theatre
Sunday, Oct 7th, @ 6:00pm: Empire Granville 7 Theatre 5