Youth on the autism spectrum will debut their films created under the guidance of Joey Travolta during a summer film camp at Oakland University's Center for Autism.
To celebrate the creative endeavors of 50 summer film camp participants, Oakland University's Center for Autism (OUCARES) will host its 2014 Red Carpet Film Premiere starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. Longtime Detroit radio personality Dick Purtan will emcee the event and film camp organizer Joey Travolta will serve as an honorary chairperson.
With guidance from Travolta, a well-known actor, director and entertainer, groups of students in the two-week film camp wrote, casted and produced a short film. Travolta and OUCARES leaders created the film camp – one of only six in the country – as a unique opportunity for youth on the autism spectrum to immerse themselves in the arts while in a supportive and inclusive setting.
Now in its ninth year, the experience provides a safe environment where children learn the art of creativity and collaboration, according to OUCARES Director Kathy Sweeney.
“Magic happens during the film camp, where special talents are discovered and put on film,” Sweeney said. “We see the campers develop strong interests in the filming as the camp unfolds and perhaps those interests will grow into a career. At the premiere, we have the chance to put the spotlight on our stars and proudly show the results of their work during camp.”
The Red Carpet Film Premiere, which is open to the public, will take place in the Oakland Center on the campus of Oakland University. For interactive and printable maps, visit oakland.edu/map. Tickets to the event are $25 per person and are available by visiting oakland.edu/oucaresstore and clicking on "Events."
To learn more about OUCARES, including ways to support its mission to improve the quality of life of individuals with autism and help meet the needs of their families, visit oakland.edu/oucares.