Makayla's Voice: A Letter to the World
Directed by Julio Palacio
Produced by Samuel Hanson, Sasha Levinson, Julio Palacio
United States | English | 23' | Non-Fiction
In the heartwarming short documentary, “Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World”, we are introduced to a remarkable young girl whose spirit and determination defy all expectations. Makayla, a black teenage girl, has spent her life grappling with a rare form of autism that rendered her essentially nonverbal. However, her parents, filled with unwavering belief in their daughter's potential, embarked on a transformative journey to discover the true depth of Makayla's inner world.
As someone with a non-verbal family member who I have been unable to communicate with for years, this film deeply affected me. Makayla has been non-verbal for her entire 14 years of life. But with the right tools and therapists, she discovers a way to make her thoughts and feelings known… and they are breathtaking. My heart opened wide when I saw this film. Makayla is unforgettable and has a true way with words. It’s so encouraging to see that even in seemingly hopeless situations, life-altering breakthroughs happen!!
Kath Tolentino, Programmer
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