Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara joined Proctors CEO Philip Morris and Janine Kruiswijk, Executive Director of The Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, under the State Street marquee Tuesday to announce the details of the local premiere of Life, Animated, the inspirational story of Owen Suskind, a young man with autism who was unable to speak as a child until he and his family discovered a unique way to communicate by immersing themselves in the world of classic Disney animated films.

The documentary from Academy Award-winning director Roger Ross Williams follows Owen as he enters adulthood and takes his first steps toward independence. The week of local showings will benefit the Autism Society’s work to empower children and adults with autism, with a portion of the proceeds from every ticket going to the local organization. For every $6.50 ticket sold, $1.50 will go to The Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region.

The local premiere begins with a matinee at 3:30 p.m. this Friday, Aug. 12, at the Proctors GE Theatre to be followed by showings at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. that day, three showings next Tuesday, Aug. 16, and three final showings on Thursday, Aug 18.

“Life, Animated is a beautiful telling of one family’s autism story, and one that gives hope to the parents of children with autism in our community and around the world who are faced with unique challenges every day,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara, who serves as chairman of the Assembly’s autism subcommittee. “As the father of a 14-year-old son with autism, I’m personally very grateful to director Roger Ross Williams and the entire Suskind family for sharing this inspirational story, and I was happy to partner with Proctors and The Autism Society to bring this film to our area as it relates to me and my son, Michael. Autism does not stop my son, Michael, from learning more and more about the world around him. It's hard to watch him struggle with words, but we enjoy a special relationship together that has made my life better. I encourage all those affected by autism and the entire community to mark their calendars for this film premiere, which will serve as a fundraiser directly benefiting local autism families and highlight the amazing potential of all those living with autism.”

Proctors CEO Philip Morris said, “We’re thrilled to be working with Assemblyman Santabarbara to show this powerful film about the capacity for art to transform, heal and bring families closer together. Owen Suskind’s journey through Life, Animated is an inspiration for us all.”

Janine Kruiswijk, Executive Director of The Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, said, “The story of Owen Suskind and its beautiful presentation in Life, Animated serve as inspiration to all those touched by autism, and The Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region eagerly anticipates its local premiere at Proctors. We are very grateful to the filmmakers for raising awareness for the complex challenges our children and adults with autism and their families face and to Proctors as well for making this special showing a fundraiser with the proceeds directly benefiting our mission of promoting access and opportunities for all those living with autism. We also thank Proctors and Assemblyman Santabarbara for recognizing the value of this film and bringing it to our community.”

Tickets for the local premiere of Life, Animated are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the Proctor’s Web site or call the Proctors Box Office at 346-6204.