A Statement from the Director

As the mother of a child with disabilities, I was immediately thrust into the
challenge every parent must face at some point: meeting the needs of your child
when it is at great cost to yourself. Perhaps the very measure of love is what and
how much we are willing to sacrifice. Although parenting someone with Autism is
particular, the primal drive to do the best for oneʼs child is universal. FLY AWAY
tells this story.

FLY AWAY is a personal film, derived from experience. As I have journeyed with
other parents of children with special needs, Iʼve witnessed great pain and
extraordinary passion. Iʼve also watched parents unable to place their children in
full time therapeutic residences, when it was clearly needed. While such
placement is not best for all or even most children on the spectrum, itʼs tragic
when parents are too plagued with fear and guilt to make the choice when it is. If
FLY AWAY eases the pain of even one parentʼs torturous decision, or if it
expands the heart of even one person untouched by Autism to accept our
children and appreciate our struggles, it will have been well worth making. The
authenticity of our story can provide insight and hope. Truth often does.

The stark emotionality of the story will be matched by the overall aesthetic. The
raw aesthetic of low-budget filmmaking, enhances our storyʼs intensity. We will
shoot FLY AWAY with a digital camera, making use of natural light whenever
possible. Much of it will be shot hand-held, in the observational style of Cinema
Verite. In the Neo-Realist tradition, we will film in actual locations. Our actors will
look accessible and feel relatable. Glamour will be left at the door.

-Janet Grillo