A FILMMAKER is campaigning to raise awareness of the realities of living with autism.

Semi-autobiographical short film KID A tells the story of an estranged brother taking on the parental role for his autistic sister.

Created by Brighton-based filmmaker Connor Kinsey, the film examines the impact of autism through the eyes of a young carer, specifically highlighting the positive effect that is often had on their parents and carers.

“I began writing KID A when I was told that I’d have sole guardianship of my sister, Evie, who has autism, if anything were to happen to our parents,” Connor said. “Although I share a deep connection with Evie, I’m conscious that the physical distance between my family and me has had an impact on our relationship. This is a reality that I wanted to explore through KID A.”

“Having worked for Amaze, the child disability charity, I have found myself in a community of parents, carers and young people who strive to support the lives of those with special educational needs and disabilities. I’m taking this as my opportunity to show my appreciation and offer some insight into their dedication.”

Connor won a year-long mentorship programme to make his film after he entered the script for Kid A into the 2019 David Thomas Awards, hosted by The Progress Film Company and the University of Brighton.

The awards were established in the memory of Brighton based filmmaker and former University of Brighton student David Thomas, who died in 2013, aged 25.

Connor is hoping to raise £2,500 to fund the kit, locations, props and travel required to fully realise the film.

“Our amazing crew have come together to tell this story completely free because what is most important to us is reaching this goal to make this film a reality,” Connor said.

Any funds raised above the £2,500 target will be used to enter the film into festivals and raise its profile.

The film will be shot entirely in locations around Brighton, with all the crew being graduates of Brighton Screen and Film School, Connor said.

“This project is a real Brighton-centred production,” he added. “All the crew are previous Brighton Screen and Film School graduates and we plan to shoot the entire film around the city.

“With learning difficulties underrepresented in film and often depicted in a negative light, I feel that this is an important story that needs to be told. I want to create a film that not only highlights additional needs in a better light, but also gives an insight into the perspective of a parent or carer.”