Date: 5 April 2018
Event: Women with Autism in Film – Keep the Change, part of the annual UN observance of World Autism Awareness Day
Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York
Speakers:
Samantha Elisofon, Actress
Rachel Israel, Director
Aubrie Therrien, Executive Artistic Director, Epic Players
Heidi Landis, Psychotherapist licensed in Creative Arts Therapy (moderator)
Synopsis:
Hailed as a landmark motion picture by The New York Times, Keep the Change is a film about people with autism, in which all the actors who portray them are also people with autism. The film revolves around the story of David (Polansky) and Sarah (Samantha Elisofon) who meet at a support group for adults on the spectrum and begin a romantic relationship.
The script, by Rachel Israel who also directed, was born out of years of interviews and improvisation with the main actors. Authentic casting was a huge controlling factor in how the film came out, Israel said in an interview with the The Guardian. I'm not an expert on autism, so my way into the story was knowing this cast and keeping them involved from the beginning. The film premiered at a time that discussions about the need for more diversity in casting was growing. As The Guardian pointed out, [w]hile characters with autism are not uncommon today, casting actors with autism to play them is.
CCOI's Role:
CCOI coordinated and arranged the participation of the speakers associated with the film in the event.
Related UN Issues:
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Autism Awareness, Sustainable Development Goal #5 – Gender Equality
News Coverage:
[UN News] UN celebrates voice and visibility of women and girls with autism