SYNOPSIS
An Indian American family learns to cope with the inherent challenges of raising an autistic child facing down social pressures and stigma. Bobby is a high-functioning autistic individual whose struggles are compounded by societal pressures. His parents struggle with coming to terms with their child’s situation given the stigma attached to such matters in the Indian American community. Inspired by true events, this film seeks to tell a story about a subject that has too often been dismissed as an embarrassment not worthy of discussion. It is hoped that the film is viewed as conveying that love, patience and understanding can make a tremendous difference in creating conditions conducive to enable success for the specially-abled.
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
“Bobby” shines the spotlight on some of the challenges that families face when they have a special needs member. Inspired by true events, this film seeks to highlight the pain and struggle of Indian American families as they deal with the twin pressures of a child that needs different and special attention, and the stigma that society – especially South Asian – imposes on them. This film is very personal for me as it allowed me to channel some of my own experiences that have remained with me for years. Our objective in making this film was not to make anyone feel bad about themselves but to point out that empathy and love can go a long way in ensuring there are more success stories and fewer disheartening statistics. We hope you will appreciate our effort and contribution to the conversation that we must have if we are to give our autistic and other special needs children a shot at success and happiness.
We thank the selection jury for their time spent in watching and assessing our work.
~ Amir Jaffer