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[thunder]
[music]
The inspiration for 'Holding in the Storm' came to me from a documentary
I worked on with Andrew Bloomfield and a group of other adults with Autism
who can't communicate with their voices.
After working with this group called Bridges-over-Barriers,
I was deeply touched and I knew I had to help them be heard.
What if you couldn't communicate, and you had a lot to say,
a lot to share, and a lot to give?
Why? At least one in every 100 people
of all ages are on the Autism spectrum.
Children who are diagnosed grow up to become adults with Autism.
I approached my long-time friend and writer, Deirdre Lindsay,
who was thrilled to join me in writing and producing this film.
Our main character Matthew has severe Autism and can't speak.
He expresses himself through his thought voice,
and we can feel the barriers this creates
as he's approached by another character Dave who is just your average guy.
[birds chirping]
Sometimes I observe my life, but I can't always control it.
People have to guess what I want and need,
and I do want and need. I wish I could just tell you.
I bet you think I'm antisocial.
That couldn't be further from the truth. It is a terrible thing to be present
and yet invisible.
Matthew is witty and intelligent, he's happy
and sad and frustrated, and
he's funny. [cameras rolling] In the film he reveals
many layers of his complex life.[action!] [music]
Can you see my urges. I can`t tell you.
I show you.
Have you figured out who I am.
Open your minds to the possibilities.
Our story focuses on social isolation,
and aims to break down barriers and encourage people to be more accepting.
So just because a person can't speak
doesn't mean they can't communicate.
We're really grateful for the grants, donations and in-kind support we've
received so far.
And you can be a part of our global message.
We're launching our film in Guelph, for World Autism Day,
April 2nd 2014.
[music and thunder]