[film] The reason why I jumped –

The reason why I jump It is a moving and moving portrait of a person with nonverbal autism.

documentary The reason why I jump It is an attack on the vulgar image of autism. We see different sides of young people with autism. Yes, there is talk of their pent-up anger and their isolation. We also see examples of this. But it’s clear that in a loving environment they can be themselves, the parents in the movie definitely prove it.

Naoki Higashida published his book in 2007 when he was a young teenager at the age of 13 The reason why I jump† In the documentary film of the same name by director Jerry Rothwell, texts from his book are adapted through narration. His words form the framework. Naoki tells us how the world lives as a non-verbal autistic. The documentary also shows how five young men on four continents deal with the inability to speak. They represent a broad spectrum of nonverbal autism.

Englishman Goss can indeed speak in full sentences, but undoubtedly there are demons inside him that are difficult to control. Maybe a pizza roll could set off his resignation. Frustrated at her inability to communicate, Indian Amrit puts her soul into remarkably colorful paintings of her surroundings. And you even get an exhibition of her work. Sometimes her mother gently hugs, to show that autistic people can indeed show affection.

And what about best friends Ben and Emma in the States who together went through many private schools. They communicate through message boards, but just being with each other is enough. Introduction to Jestina in Sierra Leone Cuts off, of the five, is the furthest on the autism spectrum. Autism in this African country is often seen as demonic and heartbreaking. Justina’s parents set up a school for children with autism, which is a great victory.

This creative documentary did not become a dry message about the suffering of people with autism. Naoki’s textual fragments lead us into his wonderful world of ideas. At the same time, images of autistic young Jim Fujiwara are presented as the alter ego of the writer found in nature, making it a sensory experience. The filmmakers succeeded in transforming it into an exciting picture of the autistic experience using means such as special lenses and camera views. And also a thoughtful way to get rid of clichés about autism.

The Reason I Jump (Cherry Pickers) is now in cinemas and on the online platform Picl.

Ulric van Tongren