Animating Autism is a feature-length documentary on autism that follows 7 people on the spectrum as they collaborate on creating a short animated film.

       Beginning in mid-January of this year Mt. Carmel Films organized a hand-drawn animation class for individuals with autism. The workshops were held at the Autism Society of Berks County in Reading, PA. The society’s Vice President, Jennifer Shumard, was kind enough to host the weekly event at the Autism Society’s office. Animating Autism documents the process of creative collaboration and follows Andrew, Cal, Blake, Jayson, Kaleigh, Nicco, and Isaiah as they form friendships and learn about the techniques and technology needed to turn their sketches into movies.

       The class was taught by John Serpentelli (http://www.serpentelli.com/).  John has been creating animation for over 15 years. Often collaborating with children and using a variety of techniques and software, Serpentelli has directed nearly 100 short films for networks such as Nick Jr., Noggin, HBO Family and Sesame Street.  He is currently a professor at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

       A screening of the rough cut was held on June 19 at the Newmanstown Theater in Newmanstown, PA. It was a fun, intimate event during which all of the families and individuals involved in making the film an opportunity to share what they thought worked or didn’t work. The event provided us with a lot of great, honest feedback.

      We are currently seeking support from friends, family, and the public to help send the film to 50 film festivals all across the globe.  Visit our crowd funding campaign here or click the link below.

       At last, the final cut is complete and DVDs will soon be available to purchase on our Amazon CreateSpace page. We will keep you posted. Until then, take care and stay concert cool.