To mark World Day of Social Justice and World Autism Awareness Day 2017 the United Nations invited you to the screening of “Life, Animated“.
From Academy Award® winning director Roger Ross Williams, LIFE, ANIMATED is the inspirational story of Owen Suskind, a young man who was unable to speak as a child until he and his family discovered a unique way to communicate by immersing themselves in the world of classic Disney animated films. This emotional coming-of-age story follows Owen as he graduates to adulthood and takes his first steps toward independence.
The subject of his father Ron Suskind’s New York Times bestseller, Owen was a thriving three year old who suddenly and inexplicably went silent – and for years after remained unable to connect with other people or to convey his thoughts, feelings or desires.
Owen’s story is a moving testament to the many ways in which stories can serve as a means of persevering through the dark times, leading us all toward the light.
The film was followed by an interactive discussion with:
- Peter Vermeulen – Co-director of Autisme Centraal,
- Aurélie Baranger – Director of Autism Europe,
- Dima Yared – Human rights officer at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional office for Europe (ROE).
