Aida is a child on the autism spectrum with a so-called uneven cognitive profile. On the one hand, she is extremely talented, but on the other hand, her sensory hypersensitivity and the challenges in social settings make it impossible for her to cope with situations that are considered quite ordinary. It is particularly difficult to adapt in the school environment, but finally, when this smart child enters upper comprehensive school, she is two years younger than the others. Aida is supported by her mother and caregiver Johanna.
Inspired by the example of Greta Thunberg, Aida experiences a political awakening, and decides to fix the things that make life difficult for children on the autism spectrum. She gathers a network of decision-makers, whom she lobbies, and unexpectedly becomes heard. The quick-witted child who is not afraid of publicity becomes a poster-child for the cause, as she is asked to give statements and seminar speeches. In everyday life, however, things for the family are as challenging as they were before.
The film follows Aida and Johanna as they find out who actually makes decisions that affect their lives. Aida’s own school path also needs to be created. She has big dreams of a career in science, but the journey towards it is difficult as she is forced to adapt to the practices of the school environment and her own sensory overload.
The viewer is drawn into Aida’s world: on the one hand, she is an analytical expert who absorbs enormous amounts of information. On the other hand, she is a little girl drowning in her anxiety, who must be allowed to withdraw into solitude from time to time.
At the hear of the story is the almost symbiotic relationship between the child and the mother and their fight for an opportunity to reach their full potential. Tension arises when big changes happen in Aida and Johanna’s lives. But the question is: will society ever change?
Director & Screenwriter
Maija Hirvonen
Cinematographer
Marita Hällfors & Anna Antsalo
Editor
Sabina Köteleki
Sound Designer
Tuomas Klaavo
Composer
Salla Luhtala
Producer
Juha Löppönen / Mouka Filmi
Executive Producer
Sami Jahnukainen / Mouka Filmi
Production Support
Finnish Film Foundation / Iris Olsson
AVEK / Mikko Peltonen
Church Media Fund
In Collaboration With
YLE / Jenny Westergård