Dina 2016
Distributed by Passion River Films, 154 Mt. Bethel Rd., Warren, NJ 07059; 732-321-0711
Produced by Antonio Santini and Dan Sickles
Directed by Antonio Santini and Dan Sickles
DVD, color, 102 min.
General Adult
Autism, Disabilities, Relationships
Date Entered: 05/01/2018
Reviewed by Jessica Morales, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OhioDina immediately absorbs the viewer into the life of the film’s main subject as she enters a new period in her relationship with her partner, Scott. The film provides an intimate and unbridled view into the life of Dina and Scott as they go about routine activities and deal with the substantial life changing events of cohabitation, marriage, and Dina’s storied past.
Unlike other films that discuss autism spectrum disorder or other differently abled conditions, Dina focuses on the individual and the budding relationship between Dina and Scott, not the disability they share. This storytelling approach breaks through barriers that influence the viewer to reflect on how uniquely different and similar we all are, despite our labels.
Highly recommended for college level students. This film provides a plethora of opportunities to engage in further discussion on a variety of topics dealing with relationships, disabilities, personalities, and stereotypes.
Awards
- Grand Jury Prize: Documentary, Sundance Film Festival, 2017
- Best Romance, Palm Beach International Film Festival, 2017
- Special Jury Prize for Honesty and Humanity, Sarasota Film Festival, 2017
- Karen Schmeer Award for Excellence in Documentary Editing, Independent Film Festival Boston, 2017
- Best Feature, International Documentary Association's Documentary Awards, 2017