I started making films as a teenager as a way to communicate my experience of autism through an audiovisual medium, leaning into experimental film, taking inspiration from filmmakers like David Lynch, Stan Brakhage and Carolee Schneemann.

Since then, I have discovered a world of potential available to communicate autistic stories. Throughout my time studying at Queen Mary University of London, I became involved in the Autism Through Cinema project which allowed me to meet fellow autistic creatives and scholars and establish my voice as an artist.

After 4 years at university, including one year studying abroad at the University of Texas at Austin’s Radio-Television-Film programme, I have directed several short films that have screened across the world. I have also co-directed The Stimming Pool, a hybrid documentary/fantasy feature that captures the world through an autistic lens. The Stimming Pool has achieved worldwide success at festivals, premiering at CPH:DOX and screening at London Film Festival, amongst others.

In addition to filmmaking, I have been working to increase the visibility and quality of relaxed (neurodivergent friendly) screenings, working with the BFI as a guest curator and co-founding the curatorial collective Stims. Through this collective we aim to programme more relaxed events and work with venues to improve their commitment to accessibility for neurodivergent audiences.

Over the last year I have worked with many venues, charities and organisations including the BFI, Barbican, Picturehouse, the Garden Cinema, ICA, Independent Cinema Office and Nottingham Castle. Through these experiences I have learned so much about the film and art industries and have identified what needs to change in order to create space for neurodivergent individuals. With this knowledge, I aim to champion autistic representation behind the camera, in front of the camera, in curation, in galleries, and all places in arts and culture where we have previously been unable to thrive. I owe it to my younger self, and to autistic people who can’t find their place in the world, to strive for a better future for us in the industry.

This has all seemed incredible formal, so here are some things that bring me joy: stimming, dancing, Orlando (1992), Fiona Apple, being in the ocean, orange juice, bugs, the colour green, David Lynch, plants, Dalston Superstore, silk shirts, Boards of Canada, bread dipped in olive oil, body horror, being queer, Marlene Dietrich, shoegaze, Hilma af Klint, mid-century modern furniture, the final scene of Beau Travail (1999), Virginia Woolf, Lakeland Terriers, old churches, tube stations, ceramic art, Lord of the Rings, making films, curating films, and being autistic!