Sam Downie Presents : A Dsoundz Media Curated Selection is a curated collection of film titles handpicked by 2x BAFTA nominated disabled filmmaker Sam Downie. All titles are available for theatrical screenings across the UK, Ireland and the World courtesy of Dsoundz Media. Bookings are complemented by newly commissioned programme notes fresh from Sam’s desk, available in bespoke, print-friendly PDF for your audiences.
These short films are made by Bristol based neurodivergent disabled filmmakers, artists and musicians. One of them has even picked up a BAFTA Film Nomination. These films provoke insights into the creative strange new worlds which can only be created by Autistic individuals.
Director: T.E.Yates
Cast: T.E.Yates
Year: 2021 during the Pandemic
Synopsis:
T.E. Yates has teamed up with fellow neurodivergent creative practitioners based in Bristol through Biggerhouse Films’ Different Voices project in order to make a video to accompany the song “Condition” – the opening track from new release Strange Weather (EP coming out on Friday 12th November 2021).
The video features contributions from Biggerhouse Films’ own Stephen Clarke in addition to two time-lapses of paintings by much-loved Bristol gig-goer and artist Jeffrey “Big Jeff” Johns – as well as several other participants from the Different Voices collective, including Michael Smith, director of the soon to be released feature film – Dawn of the Dark Fox. The contributions ranged from humorous and creative to emotionally powerful and evocative insights into lived experiences of neurodivergent people.
Yates says “Our arts, culture and entertainment play a crucial role in helping to shape societal attitudes. I think it’s important that artists like me do more to speak out – and make art about – our experiences as neurodivergent people”.
Director: Sam Downie, Michael Smith
Cast: Sam Downie, Michael Smith, L.Evans
Year: film made during the pandemic. Audio completed 2026
Synopsis:
An original short live-action part animated sci-fi satire with an 80’s/90’s styled original soundtrack, Meet The Metahumans explores themes of trust, manipulation, games and grief in the age of advanced technology. Examining the complex relationship between humans and ego-driven artificial intelligence – ours are called Cosmo and Max who have an irresistible God complex with a hunger to take over the world.
Support From : DOLBY
For this short film we were lucky to work with Ceri Thomas, Glenn Kiser (former VP and General Manager of Lucas Film’s Skywalker Sound), David Gould, Ben Givarz and the team from Dolby in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Over the 2020 Pandemic Sam received help, advice and access to the Dolby Atmos Renderer external application that was in development. Sam had this project in mind to turn the original music soundtrack into Dolby Atmos first to make as immersive as possible for cinema/movie theatre audiences, as this is a unique film to be experienced in person on the Big Screen.
Since then Sam has now become a Dolby Atmos Dubbing Mixer/Producer and a Music Composer/Producer/Mastering Engineer who specializes in Immersive/3D Audio/Dolby Atmos backed by Universal Music Group.
Visit his Dolby Atmos Music and Film Services here :
Director: Sam Downie
Cast: Sam Downie and others
Year: 2019
Synopsis:
Uniquely Human, is a Poem set to original upbeat music. Everyone featured have Autism or are Neurodiverse. My film shows a fascinating way of looking into the world of Autism and Disability, by showing how we, as older Autistic adults are described and treated by society.
This animated short film is made by critically acclaimed and 2x BAFTA nominated disabled Autistic Filmmaker and Actor – Sam Downie.
Director: Michael Smith / Purple Fox Films
Cast: Michael Smith
Year: 2022 – created during the Pandemic
Synopsis:
A Moment of your Time is a narrative animated short film shot in Bristol, about Michael Smith’s aspirations and dreams as a autistic filmmaker. He fears that time is running out for him and believes that he will be forgotten, forever.
Director: In collaboration with Joff Winterhart, Stephen Clarke and Tom Stubbs of Biggerhouse Film
Cast: Big Jeff Johns
Year: 2019
Synopsis:
“In my second night of intensive care, the doctors were well aware of my situation and my struggle with breathing so they decided to put on some late night entertainment which would help me calm down and study my breath….”
Written directed by Jeff Johns in collaboration with Joff Winterhart, Stephen Clarke and Tom Stubbs of Biggerhouse Film.
Funded by BFI/National Lottery/ScreenSkills. A Biggerhouse Film production for 104 Films
These Original Films and Content have picked up Nominations for Awards :
NOMINATIONS :
SCREENINGS :
Some of these original films have been shown and screened in the United Kingdom and Internationally around the world in the USA and New Zealand. Screened at the following Film Festivals, Cinemas and Places :
