AJ has been very steeped in the Academy Awards for the last year, not only as he has qualified his film, but also, I believe, as an advocate for this specific recognition for documentary. He has a particular perspective that I’m not sure I share, but I think is important to consider. Of the films on this list that I’ve seen, they are strong works and certainly deserving of being on the shortlist. Like AJ, I’m missing other films that also felt deserving. I’m going to think on it some more and hopefully be more articulate in the coming days about where my word “uninspired” came from because it isn’t from the individual works that I’ve seen.

I love AJ’s film – along with several others that did not get on the list. I’m a crazy fan of Manda Bala – I thought it was the best film I saw all year. I saw it twice and it just got better. I also loved King of Kong and In the Shadow of the Moon. Rape of Europa is a great film that played good festivals and the Angelica in New York. You should see it.

But the truth is that many of the people who have written about my film haven’t seen it. I don’t think AJ has. Thats just the way of the world. Maybe now AJ will see Tricia’s film, and mine, and decide the academy was right?

I’m thrilled that the Academy liked my film enough to short-list it, and personally grateful that the documentary division remains a place where good films on tough subjects can get a little recognition. But second guessing any kind of awards list is as much a filmmaker pass time as griping about festival selections.

So yes, I feel very lucky, and honored.

But in response to AJ Schnack – not all “issue” films should be discounted on face value as being dull and uninspired. My film is ostensibly about an issue, but it is really about people. It is often described as a love story, oddly enough. The “issue” in my film structurally was used as the obstacle the “characters” had to battle with in order to achieve their goal. There are no talking heads or anybody in the film anywhere teaching you what autism is. The film has a very basic three act structure. And any viewer who has seen it will also tell you that it is “more than a teaching tool” and is “entertaining” and although it is a pretty traditional verite doc stylistically, it certainly is a film that “reveals the human condition” and is completely story based, thus “rivalling a narrative filmgoing experience”.

Making documentaries is hard work, and usually thankless, and certainly does not offer any of us enough income to support ourselves — so let’s support each other. Sooner or later, if we keep making films, we’ll all end up on the short list.

Respectfully -
Tricia Regan
director/producer/cinematographer
AUTISM: THE MUSICAL