Autistic Filmmaker Edward Ryan, 14, Aims for Big Screen Success

Edward Ryan, a 14-year-old autistic filmmaker from Sanquhar, Scotland, has recently garnered attention after winning the Audience Award at the prestigious Into Film Awards held in London. This recognition not only celebrates his artistic talents but also highlights the potential of neurodiverse individuals in the film industry.

Born in Inverness and raised in Forres, Edward has lived in Sanquhar for nearly a decade. His passion for filmmaking began at a young age, stemming from an interest in building with Lego. "I always loved making and building with Lego when I was younger and I wanted to make these Lego people and characters come to life," he said. This passion evolved into creating stop-motion animations, which he refined over time with better equipment, partly thanks to a laptop provided by the local council for his schoolwork.

The film that earned him the award, titled *More Than One Way To Go Home*, tells the story of a young autistic girl navigating her way home after being left alone by her brother. Edward expressed his gratitude for the support he received from the community, stating, "It felt great, it was just overwhelming with all the support that I got from loads of people voting for me. I am still in shock that I won."

His mother, Jess Ryan, expressed immense pride in her son's achievements. "He was a nominee in the best story category as well, and even though he didn’t win that prize, it was still an incredible achievement to be chosen," she remarked. She noted that the judges selected Edward from entries that included older filmmakers, which adds to the significance of his recognition. Jess emphasized the importance of filmmaking as an outlet for Edward, who has faced various challenges due to his autism. "Filmmaking has been a way for him to express himself in ways that he has otherwise found difficult," she explained.

Despite the hurdles presented by his condition, Edward is determined to pursue a career in the film industry, aspiring to become a director of photography. He plans to continue his education and work diligently to achieve his goals. "I really want to go into the industry and hopefully become a director of photography; that’s my dream goal," Edward stated.

The Into Film Awards, which Edward attended, aim to showcase young talent in filmmaking and emphasize the film industry’s commitment to nurturing diverse voices. According to the organizers, the awards serve as a "clear statement of intent" that the UK film industry values and believes in the next generation's creativity.

As Edward continues to hone his skills and build on his success, his story serves as an inspiration to many young filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. His journey underscores the importance of support from communities and institutions in empowering individuals with disabilities to pursue their passions. With his unwavering enthusiasm and the backing of his family and community, Edward Ryan is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of film.