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The reason I jump

Posted from VIFF Award Announcements

VIFF Impact Award
The Reason I Jump (dir. Jerry Rothwell)

Kudos to the creative team for their richly cinematic exploration of autism. Not only does the film allow us entry into this unique world, it does so with sensitivity and authenticity. While acknowledging autism’s painful challenges, this riveting film is hopeful, and transformed the jury’s understanding of the subject. Rarely is the medium used so beautifully to convey both a message and an emotional experience.

My Capsule Review

This film was one of the most captivating documentaries on Autism I have ever watched. Based on the book by Naoki Higashida, first published in Japan in 2007,and translated into English by Keiko Yoshida and her husband English author David Mitchell in 2013. It covers many aspects of non speaking autism conditions.

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While there have been controversies, of whether it could have ever been written without assistance by a 13 year old non-verbal autistic person, the film itself is remarkable in its visual adaptation of the publications. It covers many cases of autism world wide, with various interpretations of the thoughts and minds of those with non-verbal and verbal autism conditions. From the use of art exhibits, alphabetic aids, special schools, in both the developed and under developed countries, as well as imagery through the eyes and thoughts of these autistic subjects.

A must watch film if you have the chance before the festival ends on Wednesday!