In 2006, HBO debuted the Emmy®-winning Autism: The Musical, a poignant, heartwarming film that followed five children on the autism spectrum as they wrote and performed their own musical. We revisit the stars of this musical 12 years later in Autism: The Sequel as the original subjects, now in their early 20s, navigate what independence means to them as they manage challenges and triumphs as adults. Weaving together present-day interviews with footage of the subjects and their families shot 12 years ago, the uplifting short documentary Autism: The Sequel debuts Tuesday, April 28 at 9pm on HBO.
Executive Producer Kristen Stills said, “Stephen and I are so proud to announce the release of Autism: The Sequel, a long-awaited follow up to Autism: The Musical. To witness these five young adults and their respective life journeys 12 years later is so enlightening and powerful. We are very grateful to HBO and to Bunim-Murray Productions for continuing to champion this project. Prepare to be uplifted, but keep the Kleenex close by!”
Directed by Tricia Regan, produced by Sasha Alpert and Tricia Regan, and executive produced by Kristen Stills, Autism: The Sequel was awarded the Audience Award at last year’s GlobeDocs Film Festival in Boston.
Autism: The Musical, which won two prime-time Emmys – one for Outstanding Non-Fiction Special and the other for Outstanding Picture Editing for a Non-Fiction Special – as well as numerous audience and jury awards at festivals worldwide can currently be seen on HBO streaming platforms.
In addition to being the executive producer of both films, Kristen Stills is also co-creator, executive producer, and co-host alongside husband Stephen Stills of the benefit concert Light Up the Blues, benefiting Autism Speaks. Over five events in the past six years, the concerts have featured artists including Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Stephen Stills, John Mayer, Brandi Carlile, Patti Smith, Beck, Sheryl Crow, Don Felder, Jakob Dylan, The War On Drugs, and more, and have raised over $1.8 million for Autism Speaks.
Key Info:
● Hashtag: #AutismTheSequel
● Facebook: /HBODocs
● Twitter: @HBODocs
● Instagram: @HBO
● Trailer: https://youtu.be/E28LfTbhEiA
