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The Mirror

Forbidden to marry, a young man with autism uses his unique perspective to rescue his true love.

Sam Lawrence, The Mirror's producer, director and editor is autistic.

  • Samuel Lawrence
    Director
  • Janice Lawrence
    Writer
  • Samuel Lawrence
    Producer
  • Samuel Lawrence
    Key Cast
    "Narrator"
  • Project Type:
    Animation
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 11 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 2, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Samuel Lawrence

Sam Lawrence is a filmmaker with autism. After graduating class valedictorian from Full Sail University’s Digital Cinematography program in January 2018, Sam raised funding to start his own production company, Visualize Results. Visualize Results has produced more than 30 short films and two, feature-length PBS documentaries about disability issues. He is currently working a new documentary for PBS in partnership with University of California, Berkely about wildfires and climate change.

Because of his autism, Sam was mute until he was 10 years old. People underestimated his intelligence because of his immature speech and poor test scores. Against his wishes he was put in a non-inclusive, special education class. After high school, Sam earned college degrees in Forestry, Biological Sciences and Digital Cinematography.

Growing up in Colorado, Sam is an avid outdoor sportsperson, who enjoys biking, hiking and skiing. He has volunteered as an adaptive recreation aide for the past ten years. These combined experiences have made Sam a fierce advocate for the disabled, the environment and human rights.

Sam and his team at Visualize Results has participated in the Easter Seals Disability Film Festival for the past three years. His contributions have included A Tribute to Silence (2021), The Adventures of Resilient Man (2022) and The Mirror (2023).

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Director Statement

The magic of love is its ability to shape human perceptions and emotions. In this simple fairytale a young man with autism uses his unique perspective to find hope and see beauty despite societal prejudice and obstacles.