Deej
Directed by Robert Rooy, Words by David James Savarese; producers, Robert Rooy, David James Savarese
LC4717.5 .D432 2017
New Arrivals Island DVDs, 2nd floor
“Abandoned by his birth parents and unable to speak for himself, DJ Savarese (“Deej”) found not only a loving family but also a life in words, which he types on a text-to-voice synthesizer. As he dreams of college, he confronts the terrors of his past, society’s obstacles to inclusion and often paralyzing beauty of his own senses. In this first-of-its kind collaboration between a veteran filmmaker and a nonspeaking autistic, Robert Rooy and DJ share editorial control as they navigate the challenges of representing autism. Deej is a story told from the inside.” — www.deejmovie.com
In the spirit of “Nothing About Us Without Us,” a foundation of disability-rights philosophy, I’ll let the star, writer, and co-producer of this Peabody-Award-winning documentary have the final words:
“In Deej, the camera intrudes on every aspect of my life. If seeing truly is believing, then perhaps eyes can be opened to the full potential of kids with significant disabilities. Shot over a six-year period, Deej reveals not only what the ideal of full inclusion requires but also what it can accomplish.” –DJ Savarese
