NEW YORK — The Marvels of Media Festival was created to be a unique film festival, designed to celebrate media makers on the autism spectrum. This event shines a spotlight on the creativity and talent of those who are often overlooked in the traditional media landscape, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their work to a broader audience.
With film screenings, immersive VR experiences, and sensory rooms designed for a more inclusive experience, the event held at Astoria’s Museum of the Moving Image is a haven for anyone with a passion for media and storytelling. Whether you’re an artist, a viewer, or someone interested in new perspectives, the festival offers something for everyone, fostering an environment of connection and understanding.
“It’s really exciting to be recognized for something that is typically seen, as like, a deterrent to be an artist in a space and have that be not only recognized but celebrated,” said filmmaker Dan Oliver Lee. His words resonate with many who are part of the autism community, as they reflect on the challenges faced by media-makers on the autism spectrum. These individuals often find themselves fighting against societal expectations, but festivals like this are changing the narrative, turning those perceived obstacles into strengths.
One of the standout moments of the night was a sneak preview of “Ezra,” a poignant film about a father and son grappling with an autism diagnosis. The film is deeply personal for writer Tony Spiridakis, who based the story on his own experience with his son’s journey through diagnosis and acceptance.
“I’m the screenwriter of ‘Ezra,’ and it comes very much from my own experience. When I first heard that my son was autistic, my reaction was, well, how much money do we need to fix this, you know? To which the doctor said a couple of years and you’ll figure out that autism is cool and it’s okay. In other words, like, so it’s not about fixing the child. It’s about accepting the child,” said Spiridakis. His heartfelt words highlight the shift in understanding that many parents of children on the autism spectrum experience – a realization that acceptance is key, not “fixing” the person.
Tony Goldwyn, the director of “Ezra,” also spoke about the importance of representation in film and why it matters to him personally as a filmmaker.
“When we saw the work they were celebrating here last year, we were so inspired by it, honestly. All the different filmmakers and media makers that were being showcased, their work was incredible, especially as storytellers ourselves,” said Goldwyn. His admiration for the work being done by media-makers on the autism spectrum reflects the growing recognition of their voices in the industry, inspiring more filmmakers to bring diverse stories to the big screen.
The media makers who participated in the event expressed their enthusiasm about being part of such an important platform, emphasizing the significance of not only representing autistic individuals on-screen but also elevating their voices behind the camera. The festival was not just about showcasing films that center around autism – it was about representing a variety of stories, many of which touch on other facets of identity.
“It’s not just important to represent autistic people in front of the camera. It’s also important to represent autistic people who are telling stories as well. And these stories aren’t only like, some of them are about being autistic and some of them aren’t about being autistic. Some of the films tonight are actually more focused on queer identity, for example,” said co-organizer Miranda Lee. This perspective reflects a broader understanding of the intersectionality of identities within the autism community, where creators are exploring complex narratives that extend beyond one-dimensional portrayals.
Aziz Isham, executive director of the Museum of the Moving Image, also spoke to the importance of the festival’s reach within the autism community, noting that it provides a unique opportunity for connection.
“We’ve found that there’s actually a really significant percentage of our population for whom, you know, filmmaking and interacting with screens is a way to connect to their community,” said Isham. For many media-makers on the autism spectrum, the process of creating and engaging with films is a form of self-expression and a way to bond with others who share similar experiences, ultimately helping to break down barriers and foster a greater sense of belonging.
“It’s always just really gratifying to find community in the film space because, you know, film is all about who you know, and finding a company and a crew. So it’s really great to meet other like-minded people, but also people with very different experiences, but that you are still related to and being autistic,” said filmmaker Daniel Oliver Lee. His words encapsulate the essence of the festival – creating a space where people with diverse experiences can come together, learn from each other, and build connections that transcend the screen.
The Marvels of Media Festival is more than just an event – it’s a celebration of diversity, creativity, and inclusion. By amplifying the voices of media makers on the autism spectrum, the festival plays a crucial role in reshaping the narrative around autism and opening doors for future generations of creators.
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