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

VIFF ‘07: Canadian Images: The Stone Angel

Wow. This is a major motion picture that will make you laugh and cry.

I’m one of the few it seems that escaped having to read this classic novel so I can’t compare, thankfully. The comparisons that the filmmaker made in the Q&A afterwards suggest that the film may be more passionate than the printed pages. There’s no shortage of passion: from lust to longing, it transcends the entire film. It certainly spoke to me as a parent and one lesson I learned is to never allow anything to come between you and your child. Nothing.

Two small bits jumped at me as well: a rare understanding of what land is and how we colonizers got it, and how one man – it’s always a patriarch – can fuck up future generations with his self-centred, pig-headed stupidity…in this case at least two.

The acting was fabulous throughout. It gave me an insight I’ve never had before: not everyone has the drive/desire to improve their lot throughout their life; some just stop, although why is still a mystery. Obvious, I’m sure to most, but it is illustrated so well by these characters. Another lesson: Hagar’s burning desire for connection to any family member after her father throws her out of his life becomes self-defeating almost to the end. It’s true (at least in this film): you have to give to receive.

Remaining Screenings:
Tuesday, Oct 9th, @ 7:15pm: Empire Granville 7 Theatre 6