Synopsis

Five children, all of them suffering from Asperger’s, a milder autism spectrum disorder, could not be any more different from each other. This fascinating documentary offers a view of the world from the children’s perspective and points out how incorrect it is to reduce the children to their illness. Curious Lukas, who is an aspiring filmmaker himself, is the first one to be introduced. Denis, however, being rather introverted, is a completely different type of person. Playing the piano is his way of opening up to his environment, but talking about his favourite book “The Little Prince” is also something he could easily do all day. Much more lively are the everyday lives of Marjamka and Ahmed. Both siblings have Asperger syndrome, and their family accepts them as they are. Marjamka even has some Aspie jokes in stock. Majda, on the other hand, is having less of an easy time. She feels completely misunderstood by her family. For two years, documentary film-maker Miroslav Janek accompanied the daily routine of his five protagonists. Using close-ups, he often captures moments of great emotional intensity and hereby constructs sensitive portraits in a world of overstimulation. After the film, one is inclined to perceive Asperger syndrome as less of an illness – but instead as a rather fascinating way of thinking differently.

Guests

Miroslav Janek

Miroslav Janek
Director, scriptwriter Normal Autistic Film
In Vienna: March 23-25