12-05-2004, 10:31 AM
A new documentary produced by Syracuse University professor Douglas Biklen and Oscar-winning filmmaker Gerardine Wurzburg is offering a new look into the world of autism.
Biklen, a Division of International Programs Abroad professor, has teamed up with Wurzburg to produce the documentary, "Autism is a World," which provides a first-hand account of the life of an autistic person.
The film was written by Sue Rubin, an autistic student at Whittier College, and is narrated by actress Julianna Margulies.
"(Rubin) is a very articulate and intelligent person," Biklen said. "She forces us to question physical performance and ideas about smartness."
The film will be screened for free at 7 p.m. next Thursday and Friday at the Westcott Cinema.
Wurzburg said she waited 12 years to make a documentary about autism. During the filming of her Oscar-winning movie, "Educating Peter," Biklen introduced a keyboard-based system which would allow autistic users to communicate effectively. Wurzburg's company, State of the Art Inc., assisted Biklen by producing autism training films.
"What made it possible to make this film was Sue," Wurzburg said. "Many people with autism are now speaking through a keyboard, speaking independently."
Rubin is a history student at Whittier. Wurzburg said although Rubin doesn't appear intellectually advanced at first glance, she has an IQ of 133. She also said Rubin had a low IQ until she was introduced to facilitated communication at 13 and began to mature rapidly.
"In this film you meet a woman who, if you walked into a room, you would think she is mentally retarded," Wurzburg said. "She is smarter than (any) of us."
At age four, Rubin's parents took her to the University of California at Los Angeles to explore the possibility that she might have autistic tendencies. But it was discovered that Rubin was severely autistic. However, people view her very differently now.
"Sue is a very impressive person to get to know," Wurzburg said. "For me getting to know her personally was a transforming experience."
"Autism is a World" explains that the disease is complicated and its causes and cures are still unknown. The film aims to show what it has been like for Rubin to go to college and run her own life.
"(Wurzburg) was taken with the Sue Rubin story," Biklen said. "What we really wanted to do was capture aspects of Sue's life and her interpretation on autism. I don't think there has ever been anything quite like it."
According to Biklen, the film was screened in Los Angles and Vermont with very positive reactions. He said even people who know nothing about autism found it very engaging.
"For me with films it is their ability to affect change," Wurzburg said. "Why waste the money and airtime if you are not moving the issue somewhere?"
Biklen, a Division of International Programs Abroad professor, has teamed up with Wurzburg to produce the documentary, "Autism is a World," which provides a first-hand account of the life of an autistic person.
The film was written by Sue Rubin, an autistic student at Whittier College, and is narrated by actress Julianna Margulies.
"(Rubin) is a very articulate and intelligent person," Biklen said. "She forces us to question physical performance and ideas about smartness."
The film will be screened for free at 7 p.m. next Thursday and Friday at the Westcott Cinema.
Wurzburg said she waited 12 years to make a documentary about autism. During the filming of her Oscar-winning movie, "Educating Peter," Biklen introduced a keyboard-based system which would allow autistic users to communicate effectively. Wurzburg's company, State of the Art Inc., assisted Biklen by producing autism training films.
"What made it possible to make this film was Sue," Wurzburg said. "Many people with autism are now speaking through a keyboard, speaking independently."
Rubin is a history student at Whittier. Wurzburg said although Rubin doesn't appear intellectually advanced at first glance, she has an IQ of 133. She also said Rubin had a low IQ until she was introduced to facilitated communication at 13 and began to mature rapidly.
"In this film you meet a woman who, if you walked into a room, you would think she is mentally retarded," Wurzburg said. "She is smarter than (any) of us."
At age four, Rubin's parents took her to the University of California at Los Angeles to explore the possibility that she might have autistic tendencies. But it was discovered that Rubin was severely autistic. However, people view her very differently now.
"Sue is a very impressive person to get to know," Wurzburg said. "For me getting to know her personally was a transforming experience."
"Autism is a World" explains that the disease is complicated and its causes and cures are still unknown. The film aims to show what it has been like for Rubin to go to college and run her own life.
"(Wurzburg) was taken with the Sue Rubin story," Biklen said. "What we really wanted to do was capture aspects of Sue's life and her interpretation on autism. I don't think there has ever been anything quite like it."
According to Biklen, the film was screened in Los Angles and Vermont with very positive reactions. He said even people who know nothing about autism found it very engaging.
"For me with films it is their ability to affect change," Wurzburg said. "Why waste the money and airtime if you are not moving the issue somewhere?"