Review of New Film 'SPELLERS'
Winner of Best Documentary at Phoenix Film Festival Now Being Screened Worldwide
Listen to AUDIO read by the author or read the transcript below.
I have been sitting at my keyboard, attempting to write a review deserving of the new film: SPELLERS. I find it almost impossible to locate words and structure phrases to reflect my thoughts on these eight youngsters, who have recently found their suppressed voice. The irony is not lost on me. I have been typing on a keyboard for over 30 years. The Spellers featured in this film have overcome almost insurmountable odds to bring you their story, including a body that will not cooperate with their will (called apraxia) and a society that barely allows for the possibility of their extraordinary abilities. This is the best I can do …
SPELLERS
I watch with excitement, the very first scene1
Imagine the others, now viewing the screen2
About to engage with a truth so divine
Even deniers will support, in quick time
I knew what was coming; I have read the book3
But still not prepared when the foundation shook
Underestimation - a rule for us to follow
For centuries plus decades; many children it does swallow
I watch with pure joy as their pencil pokes through holes4
Of letters on the stencil boards; their words, now not imposed5
Lifetimes of frustration; we’ve been standing on their throats
Now we lift our boot and are astonished by their quotes
I watch with pure wonder as parents start each day
Sweeping out the disbelief encountered along the way
Fostering acceptance and willingness to cry
Begin to know their child, steeped in love but wonder why
The world has been so slow to consider such a truth
To assume competence, To believe that in our youth
Lies such a knowledge that few of us can fathom
Perfectly imprisoned prose, a bridge over the chasm
I watch with pure awe, intensity of a brother
Emergence of a voice; the power of a mother
Endurance of a father,6 the truth of it does sting
But leaves me with a thought…
Let SPELLER Freedom Ring!7
The full-length film…
A hope-filled path forward for individuals with apraxia who are nonspeakers or unreliable speakers …
References:
SPELLERS (The Movie) Link: https://spellersthemovie.com/
Underestimated by J.B. Handley and Jamison Handley (2021) Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. Link to purchase: https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/9781510766365/underestimated/
Growing Kids Therapy Center Shop. Elizabeth Vasseler, Founder S2C Link: https://growingkidstherapy.com/shop/
Meet more Spellers at Spellers Center San Diego and Spellers Center Tampa Link: https://spellers.com/an-army-of-spellers