WHO can really know the emotional, intellectual mind of a human afflicted by one or other form of autism?

Ron and Cornelia Suskind have come close to doing that. This doco by Roger Ross Williams, based on Ron’s book, tells the story of their second son Owen’s progress from onset of the condition at age three to independent adulthood.

Owen, in late single-digit years, became devoted to animated Disney films. French animator Mathieu Betard has illustrated Owen’s development showing aspects not available from Suskind family videos.

“Life, Animated” is one of two docos about Owen. The other is a short film titled “Land of the Lost Sidekicks” drawn by Betard and based on Owen’s fondness less for principal characters in the Disney features than for their sidekicks – think Jiminy Cricket for starters.

Owen’s battle with his condition is not so much heroic as determined. Without imposing difficulties of comprehension, the film delivers a message of optimism for families with children showing signs of autism. It has won numerous awards. I can, from personal experience of a boy in Brisbane, confirm its credibility.

At Palace Electric