Spellers is a Spellers Freedom Foundation film. This on-demand screening option let's' you enjoy the movie from the comfort of your own home. Join the Revolution!

Inspired by the book Underestimated, the new full-length documentary SPELLERS challenges conventional wisdom regarding a group relegated to society’s margins: nonspeakers with autism, who most “experts” believe are cognitively disabled. 

As the film opening asks, “What if we’ve been wrong…about every single one of them?” SPELLERS answers that question, in convincing fashion, through the stories of eight nonspeakers—Aydan, Evan, Sid, Maddie, Jamie, Vince, Cade, and Elizabeth—who all found their voice through the miraculous process of using a letterboard to communicate their thoughts and feelings. As Jamie explains, “we think, feel, and learn just like everyone else.” 

SPELLERS

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A cinematic and musical odyssey that explores the remarkable relationship between humans and rivers.

An exploration of the timeless relationship between human civilization and Earth’s rivers. Spanning six continents, this visual and musical tour-de-force is by turns celebratory, cautionary, and ultimately hopeful that we are beginning to understand rivers in all their complexity and fragility. Narrated by Oscar Nominee Willem Dafoe. With music by the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Radiohead.

River

Join us to celebrate SPELLERS and the estimated 40% of autistics who are nonspeaking (also minimally speaking, unreliably speaking), many of whom are underserved and underestimated in our schools, clinics, and communities. 

Neuroscience has revealed that nonspeaking individuals are experiencing a common and significant movement disorder, Apraxia, which impacts their ability to feel their bodies and move with intention. Consider what we may have been missing about this vulnerable population. Celebrate the potential that is being unleashed through literacy-based communication methods.

Proceeds support Optimal ACCESS to allow us to continue to support the needs of nonspeaking students and their families.

SPELLERS - On Demand Screening

Inspired by the book Underestimated, the full-length documentary SPELLERS challenges conventional wisdom regarding a group relegated to society's margins: nonspeakers with autism, who most “experts” believe are cognitively disabled.

After decades struggling to protect her ancestors' burial places, now engulfed by San Francisco's sprawl, a Native woman from a federally unrecognized tribe and her allies occupy a development site to prevent desecration of sacred ground. When this fails to stop the development, they vow to follow a new path: to establish the first women-led urban Indigenous land trust. 'Beyond Recognition' tells the inspiring story of women creating opportunities to preserve Native culture and homeland in a society bent on erasing them.  Through cinema verite, interviews, and stunning footage of the land, the film introduces Corrina Gould, Johnella LaRose, and Indian People Organizing for Change as they embark on an incredible journey to transform the way we see cities. The film invites viewers to examine their own relationship to place, revealing histories that have been buried by shifting landscapes.

After decades struggling to protect her ancestors' burial places, now engulfed by San Francisco's sprawl, a Native woman from a federally unrecognized tribe and her allies occupy a development site to prevent desecration of sacred ground. When this fails to stop the development, they vow to follow a new path: to establish the first women-led urban Indigenous land trust. 'Beyond Recognition' tells the inspiring story of women creating opportunities to preserve Native culture and homeland in a society bent on erasing them.  Through cinema verite, interviews, and stunning footage of the land, the film introduces Corrina Gould, Johnella LaRose, and Indian People Organizing for Change as they embark on an incredible journey to transform the way we see cities. The film invites viewers to examine their own relationship to place, revealing histories that have been buried by shifting landscapes. Find out more about the film at  https://underexposedfilms.com/beyond-recognition and more about the land trust  https://sogoreate-landtrust.org/ here. 

Beyond Recognition

Embark on a transformative journey with "Beyond" as it delves into the extraordinary life of Tamara Mark. From the realms of Broadway and Hollywood, she emerges as a single mother to two severely autistic adults, Ian and Harry. The diagnosis of autism marks a turning point, leading Tamara on an unforeseen path. Her unwavering determination to provide a nurturing and safe community for her sons becomes the driving force of the narrative. Every mother, including Tamara, grapples with the haunting question: 'What will become of my children when I'm no longer here?” As she navigates the challenges and triumphs, the film unveils a powerful narrative of hope, resilience, and the boundless love that fuels her mission to create a haven where her sons and others like them can thrive, be safe, and cherished. This is an adventure that tugs at the heartstrings, igniting empathy and inspiration in every frame.

CINEQUEST, renowned for showcasing some of the most life-affirming films globally, has bestowed upon "Beyond" the prestigious KAISER PERMANENTE THRIVE AWARD. This year, "Beyond" has deeply touched audiences with its profound narrative of resilience and optimism.

Watch the post-screening Q&A session, where you can listen to insights from the creators Thiago Dadalt and Dru Miller, as so Tamara Mark and Marc Olson, as they discuss the remarkable journey behind the making of this extraordinary film. The movie is available with subtitles in Spanish and Portuguese.

Beyond

At a time of heightened public consciousness about Christopher Columbus’s legacy of genocide and enslavement of native peoples, Turning Tide Films releases an updated and digitally re-mastered HD version of 'Columbus Didn't Discover Us' on the 30th anniversary of the landmark First Continental Conference of Indigenous Peoples depicted in the film.

At a time of heightened public consciousness about Christopher Columbus’s legacy of genocide and enslavement of native peoples, Turning Tide Films releases an updated and digitally re-mastered HD version of COLUMBUS DIDN’T DISCOVER US on the 30th anniversary of the landmark First Continental Conference of Indigenous Peoples depicted in the film.

Columbus Didn't Discover Us

An intimate glimpse inside the life of internationally acclaimed drag performer Jinkx Monsoon.

Drag Becomes Him

We created Kinema to make it easier to support influencer, affiliate, and partner screenings. We generate a branded virtual cinema for affiliate partners, who promote the film to their audience, and both the film creator and influencer host share the revenue. Learn more here!

How To Do Influencer Screenings

This month our filmmaker focus is on JB Handley, producer of the documentary Spellers. Spellers booked hundreds of creenings, collected thousands of email addresses, and raised over $65k for charity. Here's how. 

How One Film Raised Over $65K for Charity

Join us for the 3rd Annual AAPI/API Storytellers Fest, a wonderful celebration of AAPI talent and culture, as you immerse yourself in these captivating films and gain a deeper appreciation for the voices and perspectives of the AAPI community.

AAPI Storytellers Fest

We believe movies bring people together. But sometimes that can't all happen at the same exact time. That's why we're excited to announce On-demand Virtual Screenings. You can now have asynchronous screening events, enabling your audience to watch the film on their own time, but in your branded space. Learn more. 

On-demand Virtual Events Now Available

Whether you’re an organization, influencer or business - or even the film's director - you can now brand your virtual cinema with a logo. It's easy! Just upload your logo or photo when creating your event. Learn more here. 

Add a Logo to Your Virtual Cinema

Get Tickets to Upcoming Screenings

"I believe we change and shape our world through the stories we tell. My passion to explore art and social change has provided me with a unique creative journey." - Sol Guy

Sol Guy

Alex Liu is a New York-based filmmaker and the director of 'A Sexplanation,' recently featured in Kinema's AAPI Storytellers Festival.

Alex Liu 

Dan Chen is a Los Angeles-based filmmaker, and the director of 'Accepted,' recently featured in Kinema's AAPI Storytellers Festival.

Dan Chen

Black Voices

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SAGE Metro Portland works to enhance the lives of older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community members through education, outreach and resource development. 