Two films about autism to screen in La Jolla on Jan. 19 at Sherwood Auditorium
By Ashley Mackin
Two short films about the lives of autistic children will be shown at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 in Sherwood Auditorium at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St. in La Jolla.
The films, “El Abuelo” and “With Me,” were produced by the La Jolla-based production company, Drama House. “With Me” stars a La Jolla boy with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Wesley Metcalfe and Mully are co-stars in the film, ‘With Me.’ Courtesy
After the films, there will be a panel discussion addressing Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) with filmmakers and educators. Autism now affects 1 in 88 children.
Though the screenings were planned long ago, Drama House Productions founder Patrick Scott said increased awareness of the condition is important since autism is in the spotlight after the school shooting in Connecticut. Adam Lanza, the gunman who took the lives of 20 children, eight adults and himself, is believed to have had an autism disorder.
“The obvious concern is … there is going to be a witch hunt on children or people with autism after this tragedy in Connecticut, so it’s a real concern for everyone,” he said of those with loved ones who have an ASD.
Scott produced the film “El Abuelo” in 2011, which is the story of a boy with autism who does not speak and befriends an elderly migrant worker who helps him “find his voice.”
“I got halfway through shooting ‘El Abuelo’ and I realized I didn’t know enough about autism. So I started studying it … and it’s a disease that has many symptoms,” Scott said.
Stephen Metcalfe, whose son has Asperger’s Syndrome (a form of autism), wrote the script for “El Abuelo,” and helped Scott in his newfound need to study autism.
A production still from ‘El Abuelo.’ Courtesy
After educating himself and after the success of “El Abuelo” — which won best local film at San Diego Latino Film Festival and honorary mention at the Los Angeles Movie Awards — Scott began work on “With Me,” which is based on the Metcalfe family’s experiences.
Claudia Metcalfe, Stephen’s wife, wrote the script for “With Me,” and when Scott read it, he said, “There’s no way I’m not producing this.”
The story of “With Me” is that of a boy who develops a connection with a service dog. “The idea to have a boy with autism who meets his first best friend in a service dog was a story too compelling not to tell,” Scott said.
The Metcalfes’ son, Wesley, starred in “With Me” and, despite the social anxiety that comes with having autism, Scott said Wesley blossomed on the set. This was in part due to filming at the Museum of Contemporary Art and the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, Wesley’s favorite hangouts.
“It’s heartwarming to see what their talents are once you get to know them,” Scott said of his experiences. He added that part of what producers hope to show through these films is both the symptoms and talents that come with autism.
Admission at the door is a suggested donation of $12.
If you go
■ What: Panel discussion on autism
■ When: Following 7 p.m. film screenings of ‘El Abuelo’ and ‘With Me,’ Saturday, Jan. 19
■ Where: Sherwood Auditorium at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla
■ Admission: Suggested donation of $12
■ Scheduled Participants:
• Claudia Metcalfe, actress in ‘With Me’ and mother of a child with autism spectrum disorder
• Cheryl Zak, executive director of The Arch Academy Dave Florek, actor in ‘With Me’
• Dr. Joshua Feder, M.D., Research director and professor at UCSD School of Medicine
• Karen Shultz, President of Tender Loving Canines Assistance Dogs, Inc.
• Patrick Scott, founder of Drama House Productions Stephen Metcalfe, writer/director of ‘El Abuelo’
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- Historical Society acquires old deed to St. James by-the-Sea
- Motorist crashes into Pharmaca front window in La Jolla
- Films sought for Latino Film Festival
Short URL: http://www.lajollalight.com/?p=99581
Posted by Ashley Mackin
on Jan 3, 2013. Filed under Film.
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