Autism Paints

I am kind of speechless after watching this. To be able to capture a story like this is so unreal. You couldn't make up a story like this. To see what this amazing man was able to create from his talent and pain. To overcome every challenge that came his way was so inspiring. But the ending left me heartbroken. It me realize that artists must let go of what they create. Let others appreciate it and move on. It will live on forever where ever it ends up. Random things that stood out to me... forgiving the people who hurt you. Allowing changes to happen. There were so many beautiful stories in this. Every artist touched me. So many important issues. From the Vets to people with special needs to the bureaucratic red tape. I was absolutely moved. The film is beautiful, honest, and real.

Autism Paints proves the importance of the arts to our society. Art remedies the challenges of life in a priceless way. This film introduces us to Erich Preis, a man who lovingly restored an abandoned, forgotten space to make a school for children with special needs and war veterans. Erich's restoration goal was to provide the community with public art through projects created by young community members facing challenges. The director of Autism Paints, lovingly brings this well paced story to our attention, driving home the much known fact how art benefits our society. The camera peers into Erich's eyes showing his thinking, sensitivity, struggle, sadness and perseverance. The filming is beautiful and matter of fact just like this story. It just, "is". But watching it unfold, I was drawn into this story scene by scene. The end result is extremely emotional. I am blown away by this labor of love. Keep the art alive!!!

Autism Paint2 is a moving story about underdogs who draw you in, make you root for them, and take you through a gamut of emotions and themes: laughter, frustration, risk, hopefulness, pain, disappointment, ironic-humor, anger, wonder, admiration, tension, innocence, sacrifice, and altruism.

This film shows how imperfection, flaws, and adversity can lead to unforeseen creativity, innovation, and determination. This is reflected in the tireless work of a selfless artist whose work is intrinsically tied to helping those with the myriad challenges of autism, and others who have sacrificed their mental health by fighting in unwinnable, intractable, and brutal wars. The documentary also turns the camera on itself, a beautifully unique and resonant feature, in which the director works with imperfect, broken equipment to produce a story that is more interesting to view than any big-budget production. Director David Stagnari manages to make the beautiful yet inanimate art in Autism Paint2 come alive with effectively choreographed editing, music, and imagery. He and Mr. Preis develop a mutualism and chemistry based on trust and working for an important common cause that enables Mr. Preis to tell his story. This is done so effectively not only in words but also in poignant, silent responses, and in unexpected gems in the scenery. There are so many life lessons to be learned from this film; it bears repeated viewing.

Autism Paint2 touches your heart, as was clearly evident at a recent showing at Huntington's Cinema Arts Center: the packed theater audience had tears of sadness and joy and the emotion that comes from seeing something beautiful.

I have no connection to autism or special needs children or war veterans. I'm an artist and although Autism Paints deals with autism, special needs children and war veterans, the film demonstrates clearly what it's like to be an artist. The fierce determination, hours of lonely work, the passion and the disappointments. The frustration of reaching part of your dream and the forces that seem to work against you. The film starts off at the end then recaps how they got to the abandoned gas station and then shifts to real time. Even though the movie tells you what happens at the beginning, no one will be prepared for the way it ends. The filmmakers spent years with Erich Preis which illustrates that this project was a labor of love. Many touching moments. A work of art.

A heartfelt film about an artist overcoming personal challenges and everyday obstacles while staying true to his ideals and principles.

The film is touching and honest portraying every person involved with truth and innocence.

Erich's struggles are met with moments of profound wisdom, making him incredibly relatable and inspiring.

Autism Paints captures not only an artist but a man of faith who wants to help others through art while honoring history and military servicemen and women.

The passion put into this documentary is felt from beginning to end in a way we can all appreciate and learn something about ourselves and strength of the human spirit.

Beautiful film, worth the watch!