Before the films Benjamin Brown, series curator, will introduce the programme and pre-recorded introductions from the directors.
Showing the city through a documentary-like lens, the film follows Ricky, an autistic teen who loses himself in New York’s sprawling subway system. Based on true events, the film’s authenticity is leant further weight with the casting of Jesus Sanchez-Velez, an actor with Asperger syndrome who powerfully conveys Ricky’s frustrations at being unable to communicate with the outside world.
+ Overload
Winning the Best Animation at the Into Film Awards 2020, this stop motion animation depicts what it feels like to have autism and ride on a busy train.
This is the second 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
OVERLOAD
Director: Joe Blandamer
UK 2020
5 mins
STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS
Directed by: Sam Fleischner
Written by: Rose Lichter-Marck
Screenplay by: Micah Bloomberg, Rose Lichter-Marck
Cinematographers: Adam Jandrup, Ethan Palmer
Production Designer: Sara K. White
Editor: Talia Barrett
Music by: Sarah Lipstate
Cast
Jesus Sanchez-Velez (Ricky)
Andrea Suarez Paz (Mariana)
Azul Zorrilla (Carla)
Tenoch Huerta (Ricardo Sr)
USA 2013
102 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
SEEING THE UNSEEN
28 September 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.