The Reason I Jump
Directed by Jerry Rothwell
The Reason I Jump is an immersive cinematic exploration of neurodiversity through the experiences of nonspeaking autistic people from around the world. Based on the best-selling book by Naoki Higashida, the film blends Higashida’s revelatory insights into autism, written when he was just 13, with intimate portraits of five remarkable young people. It opens a window for audiences into an intense and overwhelming, but often joyful, sensory universe. The film distils elements from each character into a sensually rich tapestry that leads us to Naoki’s core message: not being able to speak does not mean there is nothing to say.
Opening Night Art Sale
Twenty-six-year-old Amrit Khurana is an artist from Noida, India and one of the non-verbal adults highlighted in The Reason I Jump. Her artwork speaks to her perspective of everyday people doing everyday activities. Her sense of composition and use of a distinct color palette touches the soul and transcends what we think we see into a world of sublime fantasy. Original signed, matted art will be for sale on opening night. Proceeds ensure Khurana’s future, as well as providing support for others with disabilities. See the catalogue here.
Post Film Discussion
Q&A with Ben McGann and Emma Budway, two of the people featured in the film.