2012 Sundance Docs in Focus: THE D WORD: UNDERSTANDING DYSLEXIA

An often misunderstood learning disability is the focus of the next title screening in Documentary Premieres: James Redford’s THE D WORD: UNDERSTANDING DYSLEXIA

Sundance Program Description:

THE D WORD: UNDERSTANDING DYSLEXIA skillfully explores the complex and often challenging world faced by those who have this disability. The film focuses on high-school senior Dylan as he shares his early struggles in school and prepares to begin studies at the college of his choice. Interviews with other young dyslexics, as well as highly accomplished businesspeople diagnosed with the learning disability, including Richard Branson, Charles Schwab, and California’s Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, are seamlessly incorporated into the story. Two prominent doctors in the field at the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity help demystify and mitigate the stigma surrounding this syndrome.

Focusing on the positive aspects of dyslexia and incorporating creative animation sequences, James Redford’s film emphasizes specific areas where dyslexics excel and suggests thoughtful strategies for their academic success in our often-rigid educational system.

Some Background:
Redford has been to Sundance before, as the writer of the short THE ACTING THING (1996) and as the producer of THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS (1999).

Why You Should Watch:
Rather than dwelling on deficiencies, the film makes its point that the learning disability doesn’t have to be a barrier to success through a who’s who of famous interviewees who just happen to be dyslexic, including Charles Schwab, Gavin Newsom, Richard Branson, and David Boies.

More Info:
Check out the film’s website and Facebook page. Its trailer may be found here. For screening dates and times at Sundance, click the link in the first paragraph.