Monday, September 23, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
Monday, August 26, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
The POV Conversation: Josh Aronson and Adam Larsen on Getting into Documentaries
Last year, to celebrate POV’s 25th anniversary, Filmmaker Magazine organized a series of conversations between documentary directors whose work had been featured on the PBS non-fiction showcase. This week we will be following a conversation between Adam Larsen, whose first feature length documentary film Neurotypical is currently streaming on the POV website, and Josh Aronson, director of the Oscar-nominated documentary on deafness Sound and Fury, also a POV alum. Here the two discuss how they found their way to making documentary features.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Viewers respond :-)
“Brilliant documentary! A wonderful looking glass to see humanity through as it is.”
— Chetna Rana
“This show was Au-some! I have an eleven year old who was diagnosed with high functioning autism and pdd seven years ago and I still learned a thing or two from this program. Our daughter teaches us stuff daily, but this show put a lot of the pieces together that she isn’t able to explain to us herself. Thanks for the insight. This shows that people on the spectrum are not to be misjudged. They are all unique and talented in their own way.”
— Rose Kimball (Facebook)
“I have a 15yo son on the spectrum – and I found this incredibly insightful and hopeful that perhaps one day he will be able to express his perspective. From the day of his diagnosis (as a 3yo), I have explained that he is a “red” child in a “blue” world, and my job is to teach him how to exist in the “blue” world but not to make him “blue” – this may/will require both changes to his behavior and education on what is expected, but it has never meant curing him of his autism because that is who he is. Thank you Adam for this small peek into a few lives of people who do successfully exist in the “blue” world.”
— Danielle
“While it would have been impossible to cover the entire spectrum, and the representations may not have been everyone’s reality, I was very touched. This showed the participant’s reality in their own words and experience. I think too often we forget there are more similarities than differences in every one of us. I work in a place that does not realize I am on the spectrum, all they see is someone who tends to be ‘antisocial’ and to be honest with you, I am not sure they would understand if I did tell them. If nothing else, this program made me look at my own reality differently. Bravo Adam!”
— Jo Anderson
“Watching this video and reading these posts has been cathartic for me. I always knew my “aspie” state was why I have spent my life trying to prove myself, be as “good as” other peers, not being accepted in 9 to 5 jobs, and attract all kinds of bad people into my life…I wanted to thank Adam for showing females on the spectrum who weren’t masculine or butch, as a stereotype I have been fighting my whole life is that I am masculine and nothing I do to improve myself will make people see me as female or feminine.”
— Elyse Glickman
“I’m a parent of a “high functioning” autistic 5 year old, and I LOVED this show probably a lot because it represented my reality. A reality that is often feared or misinterpreted by others (which is ridiculous as the movie showed). I notice that when anything remotely positive about autism comes out, there are always parents of more impaired children that feel left out or insulted by it.”
— Megen
“I would like to sincerely thank all of the individuals involved
with this program. Mr. Larsen’s effort to bring information and perspective to the neurotypical community was overwhelmingly successful. I do not believe any media effort will be able to fully capsulize a complete depiction of the entire spectrum, but I greatly appreciate the endeavor.”
— J L Hedrick
“PBS POV, Thank You! For bringing this wonderful documentary to the World and providing multiple viewing platforms/options; I was able to stream it on my phone YAY :) Adam Larsen, you have a brilliant career ahead of you. Thank You so Much, for bringing these AUsome Human Beings and their beautiful life stories to Life! This is the best documentary about Real People I have ever seen and that IS who we are!”
— QueenAutiIndigoAngelDiva11
“Neurotypical is crucial viewing for anyone who desires to understand the “inside-out” perspective. Through compelling personal testimony, self-advocates attest to the obstacles and struggles that must be navigated on a daily basis in order to assimilate with the “real world.”
As someone on the autism spectrum, it was heartening to hear others speak to the multitude of societal misunderstandings and misinterpretations that transpire on a regular basis. One of my greatest frustrations is when others automatically jump to conclusions about something I’ve done or said by assuming the worst of me when, in fact, my intentions have been completely altruistic and selfless. Suffice it to say, many of us do a lot of “acting” in order to get by, fit in, and “pass” for normal. (Personally, I can only do it in small bits at a time—it’s exhausting.)
Neurotypical is an important contribution to the ongoing dialogue concerning compassion, acceptance, and partnership—not warfare—between those of us on the autism spectrum and those who desire to learn more about the unconventional and unique logic through which we perceive the world at large.”
— SilverXord Publications
— Chetna Rana
“This show was Au-some! I have an eleven year old who was diagnosed with high functioning autism and pdd seven years ago and I still learned a thing or two from this program. Our daughter teaches us stuff daily, but this show put a lot of the pieces together that she isn’t able to explain to us herself. Thanks for the insight. This shows that people on the spectrum are not to be misjudged. They are all unique and talented in their own way.”
— Rose Kimball (Facebook)
“I have a 15yo son on the spectrum – and I found this incredibly insightful and hopeful that perhaps one day he will be able to express his perspective. From the day of his diagnosis (as a 3yo), I have explained that he is a “red” child in a “blue” world, and my job is to teach him how to exist in the “blue” world but not to make him “blue” – this may/will require both changes to his behavior and education on what is expected, but it has never meant curing him of his autism because that is who he is. Thank you Adam for this small peek into a few lives of people who do successfully exist in the “blue” world.”
— Danielle
“While it would have been impossible to cover the entire spectrum, and the representations may not have been everyone’s reality, I was very touched. This showed the participant’s reality in their own words and experience. I think too often we forget there are more similarities than differences in every one of us. I work in a place that does not realize I am on the spectrum, all they see is someone who tends to be ‘antisocial’ and to be honest with you, I am not sure they would understand if I did tell them. If nothing else, this program made me look at my own reality differently. Bravo Adam!”
— Jo Anderson
“Watching this video and reading these posts has been cathartic for me. I always knew my “aspie” state was why I have spent my life trying to prove myself, be as “good as” other peers, not being accepted in 9 to 5 jobs, and attract all kinds of bad people into my life…I wanted to thank Adam for showing females on the spectrum who weren’t masculine or butch, as a stereotype I have been fighting my whole life is that I am masculine and nothing I do to improve myself will make people see me as female or feminine.”
— Elyse Glickman
“I’m a parent of a “high functioning” autistic 5 year old, and I LOVED this show probably a lot because it represented my reality. A reality that is often feared or misinterpreted by others (which is ridiculous as the movie showed). I notice that when anything remotely positive about autism comes out, there are always parents of more impaired children that feel left out or insulted by it.”
— Megen
“I would like to sincerely thank all of the individuals involved
with this program. Mr. Larsen’s effort to bring information and perspective to the neurotypical community was overwhelmingly successful. I do not believe any media effort will be able to fully capsulize a complete depiction of the entire spectrum, but I greatly appreciate the endeavor.”
— J L Hedrick
“PBS POV, Thank You! For bringing this wonderful documentary to the World and providing multiple viewing platforms/options; I was able to stream it on my phone YAY :) Adam Larsen, you have a brilliant career ahead of you. Thank You so Much, for bringing these AUsome Human Beings and their beautiful life stories to Life! This is the best documentary about Real People I have ever seen and that IS who we are!”
— QueenAutiIndigoAngelDiva11
“Neurotypical is crucial viewing for anyone who desires to understand the “inside-out” perspective. Through compelling personal testimony, self-advocates attest to the obstacles and struggles that must be navigated on a daily basis in order to assimilate with the “real world.”
As someone on the autism spectrum, it was heartening to hear others speak to the multitude of societal misunderstandings and misinterpretations that transpire on a regular basis. One of my greatest frustrations is when others automatically jump to conclusions about something I’ve done or said by assuming the worst of me when, in fact, my intentions have been completely altruistic and selfless. Suffice it to say, many of us do a lot of “acting” in order to get by, fit in, and “pass” for normal. (Personally, I can only do it in small bits at a time—it’s exhausting.)
Neurotypical is an important contribution to the ongoing dialogue concerning compassion, acceptance, and partnership—not warfare—between those of us on the autism spectrum and those who desire to learn more about the unconventional and unique logic through which we perceive the world at large.”
— SilverXord Publications
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Missed it on P.O.V.?
Missed Neurotypical's television premiere on PBS?
No worries!
Check your local listings for more broadcasts.
AND it is now available for free online streaming until August 28, 2013 at P.O.V.!
No worries!
Check your local listings for more broadcasts.
AND it is now available for free online streaming until August 28, 2013 at P.O.V.!
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
<< Critical Acclaim for Neurotypical >>
“A film about autism seen from the inside outward. . . . we get a sense of varied experience, of humor and of desire. . . . The point . . . is that we are all on some sort of spectrum . . . each with a uniquely wired brain and an individual way of interpreting the world and coping with it, and each with a gift.”
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times/Chicago Tribune
“If you're close to someone with autism (as I am), the fascinating PBS film Neurotypical is a must-see. . . . I’m going to get hold of a digital copy and show it to my son when he’s a couple of years older.”
—Andrew O’Hehir, Salon
“While so many discussions of the disorder focus on heartache, Neurotypical discusses life from the point of view of autistic people. And their take on normal, or ‘neurotypical,’ society is quite remarkable, revealing and even funny.”
—Kevin McDonough, United Feature Syndicate
“Neurotypical shatters any preconceived notions about autism and autistics. It’s a documentary that doesn’t overstep its intelligence and makes a statement without a soapbox.”
—Daniel Engelke, Film Monthly
“A fascinating POV documentary.” —Chuck Barney, Contra Costa Times/McClatchy
“The film addresses not only how people with autism relate to the world but how others relate to them.”
—Tribune Media Services
“Of the [autism] overviews, one of the two best I’ve seen is Neurotypical. . . . giving a voice to people with the condition who see autism not as a disability but as a difference to be proud of.”
—Leslie Felperin, The Guardian
“A groundbreaking documentary. . . . Is it possible that that what is traditionally considered a handicap may be part of the collective human condition as we evolve? . . . A unique look at autism and what it means to the people who have it.”
—Lisa King, The Washington Times
“The film raises questions and offers insights into perceptions of ‘normal’ brain functioning.” —News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C.
“An eye-opening documentary.”
—The Week
“A documentary that is sad and joyful and hopeful and heartbreaking.”
—Rick Ellis, Open Air, Twin Cities Public Television
*read the full reviews to these and more in our Press section!
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times/Chicago Tribune
“If you're close to someone with autism (as I am), the fascinating PBS film Neurotypical is a must-see. . . . I’m going to get hold of a digital copy and show it to my son when he’s a couple of years older.”
—Andrew O’Hehir, Salon
“While so many discussions of the disorder focus on heartache, Neurotypical discusses life from the point of view of autistic people. And their take on normal, or ‘neurotypical,’ society is quite remarkable, revealing and even funny.”
—Kevin McDonough, United Feature Syndicate
“Neurotypical shatters any preconceived notions about autism and autistics. It’s a documentary that doesn’t overstep its intelligence and makes a statement without a soapbox.”
—Daniel Engelke, Film Monthly
“A fascinating POV documentary.” —Chuck Barney, Contra Costa Times/McClatchy
“The film addresses not only how people with autism relate to the world but how others relate to them.”
—Tribune Media Services
“Of the [autism] overviews, one of the two best I’ve seen is Neurotypical. . . . giving a voice to people with the condition who see autism not as a disability but as a difference to be proud of.”
—Leslie Felperin, The Guardian
“A groundbreaking documentary. . . . Is it possible that that what is traditionally considered a handicap may be part of the collective human condition as we evolve? . . . A unique look at autism and what it means to the people who have it.”
—Lisa King, The Washington Times
“The film raises questions and offers insights into perceptions of ‘normal’ brain functioning.” —News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C.
“An eye-opening documentary.”
—The Week
“A documentary that is sad and joyful and hopeful and heartbreaking.”
—Rick Ellis, Open Air, Twin Cities Public Television
*read the full reviews to these and more in our Press section!
Monday, July 29, 2013
Friday, July 26, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
One Week Away...
Neurotypical will have it's national broadcast premiere on Monday, July 29, at 10 p.m., as part of the 26th season of the award-winning PBS series P.O.V.!
AND don't forget! Neurotypical streams for free on POV’s website, pbs.org/pov/neurotypical, from July 30 to Aug. 29.
AND don't forget! Neurotypical streams for free on POV’s website, pbs.org/pov/neurotypical, from July 30 to Aug. 29.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Upcoming Screenings
In addition to the POV broadcast on July 29, Neurotypical will soon reach a much wider audience, starting with some upcoming showings around the country:
07/17/2013, 6:00pm
San Diego Public Library (San Diego, CA)
07/23/2013, 6:30pm
Chandler Public Library (Chandler, AZ)
07/30/2013, 6:30pm
Chicago Public Library, Sulzer Regional Library (Chicago, IL)
08/22/2013, 7:30pm
Portland Public Library (Portland, ME)
09/28/2013, 2:00pm
Lancaster Public Library (Lancaster, PA)
10/03/2013, 6:00pm
Ephrata Public Library (Ephrata, PA)
11/23/2013, 2:00pm
Chicago Public Library, Bezazian Branch (Chicago, IL)
07/17/2013, 6:00pm
San Diego Public Library (San Diego, CA)
07/23/2013, 6:30pm
Chandler Public Library (Chandler, AZ)
07/30/2013, 6:30pm
Chicago Public Library, Sulzer Regional Library (Chicago, IL)
08/22/2013, 7:30pm
Portland Public Library (Portland, ME)
09/28/2013, 2:00pm
Lancaster Public Library (Lancaster, PA)
10/03/2013, 6:00pm
Ephrata Public Library (Ephrata, PA)
11/23/2013, 2:00pm
Chicago Public Library, Bezazian Branch (Chicago, IL)
Friday, June 14, 2013
Autism Pride Week
Experience the first ever Autism Pride Week in Asheville, NC!
The celebration opens with a keynote lecture by the 2013 National Book Critic's award winner, Andrew Solomon; and includes two month-long art exhibits with works by Laura Craig McNellis, George Widener, and Jesse Wills; a three day festival of autism related films; and an open mic night hosted by GRASP founder, Michael John Carley!
We hope that all of you will join us here in Asheville for this celebration of diversity!!!
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
52 minutes
Over the past two weeks, I've had the pleasure of working with Mary Manhardt, an incredible documentary film editor (Racing Dreams, Monica and David, American Promise…). Mary is helping me to edit Neurotypical down to broadcast specs - 52 minutes to be exact. A whopping thirty-six minutes shorter! To be honest, re-envisioning Neurotypical has been an emotional roller coaster but Mary has been great and I'm proud of what we've come up with for POV!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Neurotypical will premiere on P.O.V. - July 29!
Yay!!! We can finally announce that Neurotypical is going to be broadcast on the PBS series P.O.V. on July 29th!!
Thanks to everyone who helped make this dream a reality!
Broadcast: Monday, July 29, 2013
Check local listings >>
Online Streaming: July 30, 2013 – Aug. 28, 2013
Thanks to everyone who helped make this dream a reality!
Broadcast: Monday, July 29, 2013
Check local listings >>
Online Streaming: July 30, 2013 – Aug. 28, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
…mum's the word…
Can you keep a secret? Nah, we didn't think so… We've got exciting news. Too bad we're the only ones who can be excited about it! More soon!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)