The Reason I Jump is a film by Jerry Rothwell to be screened as a fundraiser for Action in Autism: on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at 16h45 Gateway Ster Kinekor.
“Can you imagine how your life would be if you could not say what you wanted?” This is the basic premise from which the insightful and beautifully filmed documentary, The Reason I Jump begins.
Based on the book of the same name by the then-13 year-old non-speaking Japanese writer, Naoki Higashida, who is autistic, The Reason I Jump with respectful gentleness, creates a pioneering bridge between those who live and function in the neurotypical world, and those with autism.
In the film, overlaid with a youthful narration from Higashida’s book, we meet five culturally diverse, non-speaking autistic people of varying ages: from India, Sierra Leone, United Kingdom and USA. While director Jerry Rothwell, focuses in on each person’s unique situational and functional challenges, we are able to experience deep insights into the sensory and emotional journey people on the autistic spectrum (and their families) have to navigate. Much care has been taken in creating a sensory experience for the viewer: detailed soundscapes and visuals draw us intimately into their world, providing exquisite and breath-taking clarity. This is what it may feel like to have autism. This is how one would see, hear and feel if one was autistic.
Like this insight: “When you see an object,” says the narrator, “it seems that you see it as an entire thing first, and only afterwards do its details follow on. But for people with autism, the details jump straight out at us first of all, and only then gradually, detail by detail, does the whole image float up into focus.” Imagine the sensory computing that must go into experiencing the world in this way?
This “world” of autism has, until fairly recent times, been a relative mystery. The lack of understanding, knowledge, and empathy with a dollop of negative and untrue societal myths and beliefs, have not been kind to those who are neurodiverse. By unlocking some of these mysteries the film offers us an opportunity to walk in their shoes.
At some level, while the journey is extremely tough for those on the spectrum, and their families, there is a prevailing sense of hope, and acceptance. And Higashida’s message – “not being able to speak does not mean there is nothing to say” – lands home completely.
The Reason I Jump is a sincere, honest and illuminating tribute to those on the autistic spectrum and their families, carers, therapists and facilitators, who are collaborating to bridge two seemingly disconnected worlds.
Durban-based support NGO, Action in Autism, will host the film as a fundraiser on Sunday November 21 at 16h45 Cinema 3, Gateway, Umhlanga. Tickets are R120 and can be booked by calling 031 563 3039 or emailing info@actioninautism.org.za
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