“Autism Is A World” co-produced by Sierra Leone RPCV Douglas Biklen Nominated for Academy Award



“Autism Is A World” co-produced by Sierra Leone RPCV Douglas Biklen Nominated for Academy Award

“Autism Is A World” Nominated for Academy Award®

January 25, 2005

(Washington, DC – January 25, 2005) -- State of the Art, Inc. is pleased to announce that "Autism Is A World" produced and directed by Gerardine Wurzburg has been nominated for the 2004 Academy Award® in the Documentary Short Subject category. The nomination is Gerardine Wurzburg’s second, her film “Educating Peter” won the award in the same category in 1992. The 77th Annual Academy Awards® will be broadcast on ABC television on Sunday, February 27th at 8:00pm.

“Autism Is A World” is a documentary about Sue Rubin, who is autistic. For 26 years, she has been on an extraordinary journey. Her unusual behavior led to a diagnosis of autism when she was four. Until age 13 she was believed to be retarded. But then a new communication technique gave Sue the ability to connect with the world. Now, a junior in college with a top IQ, she is a tireless disability-rights activist, and an articulate guide into a complex disorder.

Written by Sue Rubin, and narrated by Julianna Margulies, “Autism Is A World” is a rare and compelling journey into Sue's mind, her daily world, and her struggle with autism. Sue says she is her own worst nightmare. Sue guides the audience through all that is special, and usual, about her life. She takes an unflinching look at the world of autism.

“Autism Is A World” combines Sue’s courageous writing with a sensitive, dramatic reading by Margulies. Brought to life through Wurzburg’s powerful filmmaking, “Autism Is A World” offers a view of autism as it has rarely been seen--from the inside out.

“Autism Is A World” is a joint production by State of the Art, Inc. and CNN Productions.

For more information, contact:
Elissa Ewalt, State of the Art, Inc.
Tel: 202-537-0818 ext 13 Fax: 202-537-0828
Email: eewalt@stateart.com
Website www.stateart.com

Credits
Producer & Director: Gerardine Wurzburg
Writer: Sue Rubin
Narrator: Julianna Margulies
Co-Producer: Douglas Biklen
Associate Producer: Elissa Ewalt
Editors: Barbara Ballow, Anny Meza
Camera: Gary Griffin
Sound: Bob Silverthorne
Lighting: Eric Martin
Original Music By: John Keltonic
Supervising Producer: Jennifer Hyde
Executive Director: Jody Gottlieb
Managing Editor: Kathy Slobogin
Executive Producer: Sid Bedingfield

When this story was posted in January 2005, this was on the front page of PCOL:

January 22, 2005: This Week's Top Stories Spread Freedom — but not at gunpoint 22 Jan Dodd has ring side seat at Inauguration 21 Jan Peace Corps works in Georgia 21 Jan Trey Aven monitored Ukraine elections 21 Jan RPCV group makes quiet indie-pop 21 Jan Anthony Shriver considers race for Florida Governor 20 Jan Thomas Tighe says internet brought funds to DRI 20 Jan Stacy Jupiter researches Australia ecosystems 20 Jan Libby Garvey is education activist 20 Jan David McIntyre captures medals on land and in water 19 Jan Carol Bellamy new president of World Learning 18 Jan Reed Hastings crossed "Latino Caucus'' 18 Jan RPCVs sponsor Freeze for Food to aid Colombia farmers 18 Jan RPCVs urge Bush to aid Democracy in Ukraine 17 Jan Tom Petri proposes changes in student loan program 17 Jan Golden Globe Win for Jamie Foxx in RPCV's "Ray" 17 Jan Stephen Smith is new consul-general in Australia 17 Jan

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