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Mandy's Voice (available with or w/o subtitles/CC)

A curious and intelligent nonspeaking autistic girl struggles to communicate. Her mother is desperate to provide the necessary tools for survival in a world where if one is without a voice ~ one is perceived as invisible as well.

Led by Director, Roxanna Lewis, our film champions women and diverse voices through the representation of our female-forward team comprised of a female director, female producers and a female writer. The cast, crew and executive team are comprised of individuals who are on the spectrum and those immersed in the life-long commitment of creating a safer, more caring world for individuals who are neurodiverse (parents, therapists, advocates). Lead actress, Rachel Barcellona recently made history as the first individual on the spectrum, and who identifies as non-binary/trans to have been selected as "Miss Florida America" - her national and international work in advocacy is making a difference! People of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and entertainment industry experience (from novice to pro) are lending their time, resources and talents to bring this film to screens around the world.
**Closed Caption version available upon request

  • Roxanna Lewis
    Director
    The Crossing, The Shift, I Didn't Know
  • Sharon Y. Cobb
    Writer
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0167808/
  • Roxanna Lewis
    Producer
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10809390/
  • Rachel Barcellona
    Key Cast
    "Mandy"
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2699240/
  • Karen Sillas
    Key Cast
    "Liz"
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0798076/
  • Crystal Thompson
    Key Cast
    "Raquel"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Family, Inspirational, Disabilities, Autism
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 10, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    5,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Roxanna Lewis

Roxanna’s fiercely passionate approach to storytelling and filmmaking is a grand collision of her past experiences as theatrical director, choreographer and performer. Her live work has been presented across the US from Broadway to Lincoln Center Out-Of-Doors to the Presidential Task Force on Disabilities Showcase in Washington DC, to performances for international dignitaries and pop-band tours in France, Germany, Scotland, Guatemala, Italy, Japan and Thailand. She has been featured on BBC-TV, ABC, NBC, Fox and Moscow Television and WJCT/NPR radio. Her career has fortuitously led her to work with individuals who happen to be amputees, paraplegic, wheelchair users, d/Deaf, blind, neurodiverse and neurotypical.

Roxanna’s made turkey soup with Dr. Maya Angelou while interviewing her for PBS, wrote with Emmy Nominated Actor/Director Ben Gazzara on his autobiography and worked with acclaimed WGAw writers for “The Writer’s Brigade” to make the world a kinder place. She’s worked on other projects with Island Records, SONY UK, MPress Records, ABC-TV, CNN.COM, The Discovery Channel, Showtime, Mindless Entertainment, DNA Productions, The Revolver Film Company and Kilo Productions. Recent films include: The Crossing, The Shift and I Didn’t Know.

Roxanna’s most prized creative endeavor is raising her daughter (12) and son (17); one diagnosed with epilepsy as an infant and the other suffered a long-term Traumatic Brain Injury. She understands, first hand, the black-hole families experience when confronted with unexpected, seemingly insurmountable circumstances. As Founder/CEO of Roxxiedanz Productions, Roxanna builds bridges and re-defines human excellence through the creation of impactful content. www.ROXANNALEWIS.com

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Director Statement

MANDY’S VOICE delves into a loving but challenging mother-daughter relationship amplified by non-verbal autism. This film's story is inspired by the true life events of a few exceptional non-verbal autistic teens residing at “Peace of Heart” community – an innovative environment of belonging for persons with autism.

There has never been a more relevant time for MANDY’S VOICE to take to the screens; before principal photography was even completed I’d received numerous emails of gratitude from strangers - individuals on the spectrum and their loved ones – anticipating the release of this film. This poetic short is amongst the first to tell a story about a nonspeaking teen on the spectrum.

My mission is to ensure a professional work environment based on truth, trust, courageous choices and robust collaboration to produce an exceptional film working with individuals on the spectrum in front of the camera, behind the camera and on the producing team. This uplifting short film opens doors and speaks to audiences worldwide.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Most Warmly,
Roxanna Lewis

"MANDY’S VOICE is about isolation and human connection; not only accepting someone who appears different on the outside but fully embracing that individual for who they are ~ and owning one’s voice." - Roxanna Lewis