Winner, Best Documentary, 2023 Phoenix Film Festival

 challenges conventional wisdom regarding a group relegated to society’s margins: nonspeakers with autism, who most “experts” believe are cognitively disabled. 

The film blends beautiful cinematography with heart-wrenching stories of eight spellers and a strong message for every parent of a nonspeaker: your child can do this, too. 

 also demands that teachers, schools, and therapists wake up to the reality that we may have underestimated the abilities of more than 50 million people worldwide.

The Eng Family and The Montgomery Family

SPELLERS

SPELLERS: Movie Premiere and Screening

4K Version - 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.” 

Documentary

Sensory and family friendly, historic theater located in downtown Danville. Parking available on site. Everyone is encouraged to attend; those with an autism diagnosis including (but not limited to) non speaking & unreliable communicators, families, friends, therapists, educators, caretakers, community members, etc.