Friðrik Þór Friðriksson’s 2009 documentary, “A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism” (originally Sólskinsdrengurinn, or “The Sunshine Boy”) was a critically well-received film about autism.
The narrative of the film centers around the mother Margret Dagmar Ericsdóttir and her search for help to understand her son, Keli’s, condition.
Many of Friðrik Þór Friðriksson’s films explore the lives of people who are socially marginalized in some way, such as in “Angels of the Universe,” which features a mentally ill artist.
The documentary was also narrated by Kate Winslet and scored by Sigur Rós and Björk.
During the filming of the documentary, actress Kate Winslet and mother Margret Dagmar Ericsdóttir met and together founded the Golden Hat Foundation, a nonprofit organization for raising autism awareness. The organization aims to “change the way people on the autism spectrum are perceived, by shining a light on their abilities and emphasizing their great potential.”
Additionally, a book arose from the nonprofit and film, called “The Golden Hat: Talking Back to Autism.” It compiled correspondence between Kate Winslet and Margret Dagmar Ericsdóttir, in addition to statements from various celebrities and Margret’s son, Keli.
It may be difficult to find on a major streaming service, so if you want to watch it, then your best bet is likely acquiring it on DVD.
