The Reason I Jump

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Based on the bestselling book by Naoki Higashida, The Reason I Jump is an immersive cinematic exploration of neurodiversity through the experiences of non-speaking autistic people from around the world.

The film blends Higashida’s revelatory descriptions of his autism, written when he was just 13, with intimate portraits of five remarkable young people; and opens a window into an intense and overwhelming, but often joyful, sensory universe.

Acutely observed moments in the lives of each of the characters are connected by passages from Naoki’s writing, in which a young Japanese boy journeys through an epic landscape, gradually discovering what his autism means to him, how his perception of the world differs, and why he acts in the way he does: the reason he jumps.

The film distils these elements into a sensually rich tapestry that leads us to Naoki’s core message: not being able to speak does not mean there is nothing to say.

Q&A on Thursday 15 July, 8pm:

Meet the director, Jerry Rothwell, live at the cinema for a Q&A at the 8pm screening on Thursday 15th July.

Q&A hosted by Rachel Lowden, an autism and neurodiversity specialist who specialises in women with 'hidden' difference. Her practice centres around theatre and drama and she works for the NHS in an innovative new service in GP surgeries and for the local organisation Eggtooth. She also delivers training courses and is studying at Queen Mary University.

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