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Documentary on autistic people features Lionsgate Academy
The film is by Scott Steindorff, a Minnesota native. He is also an autistic person and tells his story along with others through his own lens.
MINNETONKA, Minn. — An upcoming documentary on autistic people features Minnesota’s own Lionsgate Academy and its families.
The film is by Scott Steindorff, a Minnesota native. He is also an autistic person and tells his story along with others through his own lens.
Lionsgate Academy said this is the sort of movie people need to watch.
Diane Restorff retired from her executive director position, but before her retirement from Lionsgate Academy, she decided to let Steindorff and his crew into the school, which is a public charter school providing free education to autistic students.
“The representation that people with autism are getting through this documentary is first class,” she said.
Creech Unger, 16, was featured in the documentary, who wanted to be a part of the film because he is passionate about teaching people about autism.
“It touches on the struggles,” he said. “But it doesn’t have like the whole, you know, oh my God, my kid has autism. It’s so hard. Everything’s so hard. It sucks so much. It accepts autism and talks about it, instead of making it seem like it’s this big, terrifying thing.”
Unger said too often people have a misunderstanding of autism. He lived through it when he went to a different school.
“It was really hard for me make friends because I felt like I was doing something wrong being me,” said Creech. “So I kept having to try different ways of being not me. And none of them were working. And I was just kind of accepting that I’m the weird kid that nobody wants to be friends with. But then I came here, and everybody is accepting of me as me.”
His mom, Ann Wiesner, said that is precisely the reason why people need to watch this documentary. To make the world a more thoughtful and kind place so everyone can be themselves everywhere. Not just at Lionsgate.
“It’s even little things that aren’t our standards and norms about what is acceptable conduct,” she said. “Like sitting. Looking people in the eye. All of those social expectations are really challenging for a lot of autistic folks.”
“People could look at that documentary and maybe understand that when they see a kid on their doorstep at Halloween,” said Restorff. “Who doesn’t say thank you for the candy, or who maybe pushes their way in front and it seems kind of rude. That maybe their first thought wouldn’t be oh, you know, that’s rude. That’s bad parenting. But maybe, what supports are needed here? What can we do?”
Diane, Creech and Ann say they loved the documentary and encourage folks to attend a special screening benefiting the Lionsgate Foundation on March 17th at The Main Cinema.
For tickets, click here. The film will premiere nationwide April 14.
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The suspect was 17 at the time of the shooting, but he was charged as an adult.
A St. Paul man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, more than two years after a drive-by shooting left a 17-year-old dead.
Casimir Semlak, of St. Paul, was charged with shooting 17-year-old Anthony Skelley in May 2022 during an apparent drug deal in South St. Paul. Police say a search of Skelley’s cell phone uncovered that the last number he was in communication with was linked to the suspect.
Semlak was also 17 at the time but was charged in the adult court system.
Following his death, family members told KARE 11 in a statement that Skelley was a junior attending St. Paul Public Schools’ Gateway to College program, and had “a beautiful soul with a cheerful presence and a joyful spirit.”
Semlak will be sentenced in January 2025.
The Moorhead Police Department said Paige Reinke was last seen Sunday wearing a blue sweatshirt and gray sweatpants.
MOORHEAD, Minn. — Officials are asking for the public’s help locating a 17-year-old Moorhead girl that is believed to be endangered.
According to the Moorhead Police Department, Paige Reinke was last seen Sunday near the 2600 block of River Drive North wearing a blue sweatshirt and gray sweatpants. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) describes her as 5-foot-4, 155 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Moorhead Police Department at 701-451-7660.
“The Power of a Transformed Woman” is Twyla Martin’s raw, unapologetic story about strength, transformation and rising above trauma.
ST PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota author and motivational speaker has written a new book and is holding a panel discussion.
“The Power of a Transformed Woman” is Twyla Martin’s raw, unapologetic story about strength, transformation, and rising above trauma.
On Friday, Nov. 1, Martin will speak with a panel at CSPS Hall in St. Paul about her book release.
- Twyla Martin – Author
- Nekima Levy Armstrong – Civil rights attorney, activities, and community organizer
- Chantel Sings – Powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and performer
- Ashley DuBose – Singer, songwriter
- Jamela Pettiford – Vocalist and actress
- Lissa Jones – Speaker, advocate for African American history and culture
- Robin Hickman-Winfield – Producer, filmmaker, and CEO of SoulTouch Productions
- Alana Carrington – Creative professional with expertise in the arts, education, and community development
