EXCLUSIVE: Maija Hirvonen’s documentary Neurotypes in the works
- The picture follows a youngster on the autism spectrum who decides to fix the societal structures that are making life difficult for children like her
Maija Hirvonen’s documentary Neurotypes is currently in post-production. The feature, produced by Juha Löppönen for Helsinki-based outfit Mouka Filmi (with Sami Jahnukainen serving as the executive producer), revolves around Aida, a child on the autism spectrum, who decides to fix the societal structures that are making life difficult for kids like her with the help of her mother and caregiver, Johanna. Aida is determined to challenge existing norms and foster acceptance. The documentary tackles this core question: will the strenuous efforts of a mother and daughter change the world before their strength runs out?
The project is Hirvonen's debut feature. A freelance documentary filmmaker currently based in Turku, she gained a Master of Arts majoring in documentary directing from Aalto University in 2013, and later directed a few non-fiction shorts, including The Move (2016) and Cat Trap (2013).
The release of the picture will be accompanied by an impact campaign in early 2024. “Our mission for the campaign is for children belonging to neurominorities, such as [those with] autism, ADHD and Tourette, to have equal access to education,” the producers told Cineuropa.
“We have partnered with autism association PAUT and are in negotiations with other Finnish organisations. With PAUT and our other partners, we will draw on Aida’s experience and knowledge, and offer educational packages for schools, aimed at teachers but also at fellow students, so that they can better understand and meet the needs of children like Aida.
“We are also planning several themed discussions and special screenings, plus a social-media campaign. Our main character, Aida, will be an important part of the impact campaign as she shares her own experiences and struggles within the system to showcase what the realities are for many children on the autism spectrum. Through the film’s impact campaign, we will support Aida’s cause the best way we can so that the children on the spectrum will have a better future and environment in which to learn in schools.”
Commenting on the project’s recent participation in Nordisk Panorama, the team added: “We were pleasantly surprised by how deeply our pitch and film touched the audience, and by the strong interest we received from the international festivals as well as public broadcasting companies. It’s great to know that the story resonates in different parts of the world as well.” The documentary was also pitched at the Finnish Film Affair last month.
Neurotypes is slated for release by spring 2024, aiming for an A-list festival premiere. Moreover, the producers have recently secured a national TV and VoD distribution deal with Finnish pubcaster YLE.
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