It was an emotional occasion for the team behind the new documentary As One, at the film's premiere at ADFF on Saturday morning.
In conversation with The National last week, co-director Hana Makki had conceded that an 11am screening of a documentary about autism may not be the festival's biggest draw.
The film received a standing ovation when the 10 autistic child stars of the movie completed their thespian journey on screen, then rose again as one as the kids were brought onto the stage to take their bows.
Catching up with some of the culprits post-screening, producer Danielle Perissi said: “For us it was really thrilling to see it in a room that was so big. We were shocked. It was 11am on a Saturday and so many people came, but I think that’s proof that this is an important issue and one that we should talk about.”
Audience members loved it too. Dubai resident Jamal Hassan said: “I loved it. It was a long time coming to get a cross-section of international parents talking about how important this is.
“My sister’s son is autistic and I’ve pretty much grown up watching them deal with this. It was a great film, and will hopefully open some eyes.”
Perhaps most importantly, the kids were all there. We struggled to get quotes as they were all so happy and excited, so we talked to the parents.
Jawahr Dadood, the father of Mohammed, said: “It was amazing, really amazing. It was a special moment for us. Spectacular, an amazing production, and we’re trying to develop his voice now.”
JC, the father of Carl Sorian, added: “It was wonderful. The reaction of the crowd was so nice, we couldn’t believe it.”
I spent around five years running theatre and literacy workshops with autistic adults in the UK in the early 90s. These were adults who had been forgotten by the system in the 70s and 80s and recently turfed out of institutions as the then government decided care in the community was a cheaper option than institutionalised care.
If this film can gain attention, and help ensure the younger generation are given opportunities, regardless of their point on the autistic spectrum, then it has served its purpose.
As One is produced by Image Nation, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Media, which is the publisher and owner of The National.
