As we exit April the Autism Awareness Month, as its awareness to some, it’s actually full time life for others. Float is a powerful short film in which showcases how life can be with someone who is “Awetistic” (Awesome and Autistic) trademark pending LOL
What Float does brilliantly is it gives you a shared perspective. The “shame pressure” a parent invites on them self to the general public whilst showing us the dual battle the child has to go through, which is the battle with pleasing a parent and also trying to fit in.
In this movie they use the floating super power to represent the difference in the children and I whole heartedly believe autism is a super power so this fits perfectly. We have scenes of the father’s struggle as the child is able to reach heights he can’t reach or understand. For that reason he feels to hide him away and also disguise him when in public.
The movie is very short on words. In fact the total dialogue consists of 5 words. 5 very formidable words which I believe every parent with these challenges at some point has uttered or even murmured “Why cant you be normal”. It really hit home for me. Autism is a challenge but it’s not the end of. Patience, understanding, comfort, tunnel vision, praise and love. These are a few of the key tools required to be successful in this kind of journey.
It’s a must see. It’s 11 min of outstanding substance. It’s a recommended watch.
What was your take on the film? Did you see a different avenue from autism? Do you find yourself being viewed as different? How do you cope with it? I can confirm you are just SPECIAL!
