As One

Another entry in the growing list of upbeat documentaries about tackling autism with creative forms of engagement, filmmaker Hana Makki's sprightly As One was produced in the United Arab Emirates and focuses on that nation's autistic kids. Actually, the “Autism Project” at the center of the film brings in autistic children from all over the world to work together in putting on a musical. The film traces developments over 12 weeks as the boys and girls meet the music director, choreographer, and other artists in the mix. The rehearsals look more like herding cats than making any distinct progress, but the children's parents along with interviewed experts take note of the gradual, positive signs suggesting that the repetition of tasks involving movement and music are really helping. While the ultimate performance for friends and family borders on chaos, the kids bask in the attention. Less compelling than the similarly-themed Autism: The Musical (VL-7/08), this is still recommended, overall. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)