LIFE, ANIMATED Trailer Shows How Disney Movies Helped a Boy with His Autism
We all have our own wonderful memories of growing up with the animated films of Disney. Our lives have all been touched by them in one way or another, but they changed the life of a boy named Owen Suskind. He was diagnosed with autism at a young age, and these Disney movies helped him cope with the autism and helped him connect with the real world that he struggled to understand.
Today we have a trailer for a documentary called Life, Animated, which tells the story of Owen who is now in his twenties and setting out on the adventure of living on his own. His story is told through video footage from his life as well as beautifully animated sequences.
This looks like an inspiring and thoughtful film that will be worth checking out. It premiered Sundance earlier this year, but I didn't get a chance to see it. I heard from several colleagues that the film was incredible, though. I can’t wait to check it out! Here are the full details for the doc:
From Academy Award® winning director Roger Ross Williams, LIFE, ANIMATED is the inspirational story of Owen Suskind, a young man who was unable to speak as a child until he and his family discovered a unique way to communicate by immersing themselves in the world of classic Disney animated films. This emotional coming-of-age story follows Owen as he graduates to adulthood and takes his first steps toward independence. The subject of his father Ron Suskind’s New York Times bestseller, Owen was a thriving three year old who suddenly and inexplicably went silent – and for years after remained unable to connect with other people or to convey his thoughts, feelings or desires.
Over time, through repeated viewings of Disney classics like THE LITTLE MERMAID and THE LION KING, Owen found useful tools to help him to understand complex social cues and to re-connect with the world around him.
LIFE, ANIMATED evocatively interweaves classic Disney sequences with verite scenes from Owen’s life in order to explore how his identification and empathy for characters like Simba, Jafar, and Ariel gave him a means to understand his feelings and allowed him to interpret reality. Beautiful, original animations offer rich insights into Owen’s fruitful dialogue with the Disney oeuvre as he imagines himself heroically facing adversity as a member in a tribe of sidekicks.
Owen’s story is a moving testament to the many ways in which stories can serve as a means of persevering through the dark times, leading us all toward the light.
Life, Animated opens on July 1st, 2016.