Before the film we will screen a short pre-recorded discussion between Rupert Isaacson (Producer/narrator) and Benjamin Brown, series curator.
Reaching the end of their tether, Texas couple Rupert and Kristin whisk their troublesome four-year-old autistic son Rowan across the world in a desperate bid to restore balance to their disorderly lives. A film where nature’s limitless healing properties are foregrounded, the Outer Mongolian steppes serve as the perfect, Zen backdrop for an emotional, near transcendental rite of passage for the family.
This is the first of three relaxed screenings presented in response to The Reason I Jump, programmed by independent curator, Benjamin Brown.
‘Really, our vision of the world can be incredible, just incredible …’ – Naoki Higashida, The Reason I Jump
Whether neuro-diverse or neurotypical, as human beings we are all born with our own unique ways of perceiving the world. However, for many on the autism spectrum, the problem comes when trying to impress that unique perspective onto others through words and gestures. Like a detuned radio, the signal is blocked, coming through only as hissing static.
Channelling several themes explored so effectively by The Reason I Jump, the season expresses the key role of the senses in our everyday lives and the transcendent power of nature to provide consolation to the inconsolable. It also conveys the vital importance of giving autistic people a say in how we are treated, and to extend us our rightful seat at society’s table.
As Naoki so poetically puts it, ‘if, by our being here, we could help the people of the world remember what truly matters for the earth, that would give us a quiet pleasure.’
Benjamin Brown, Series Curator
THE HORSE BOY
Director: Michel Orion Scott
Producer: Rupert Isaacson
Cinematographer: Michel Orion Scott
Editor: Rita K. Sanders
Original Music: Kim Carroll, Lili Haydn
Location Sound: Justin Hennard
Sound Mixer: Matt Ludwick
USA 2009
93 mins
This screening is presented in collaboration with Citizen Autistic: The London Autism Film Club, a welcoming neuro-diverse space bringing together like-minded individuals through a shared love of cinema.
Find out more at bfi.org.uk/relaxed
BFI Southbank has been awarded the National Autistic Society’s Autism Friendly Award.
The next relaxed screening is
STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS
Tue 24 Aug 18:00 NFT3
Relaxed Screenings
Relaxed screenings are presented each month for those in the neuro-diverse community, their assistants and carers. As a result of our Covid Safety plan our relaxed screening adjustments have changed.