This April, the vibrant heart of Houston’s arts scene will beat a little stronger as Spectrum Fusion, a trailblazing nonprofit dedicated to empowering autistic adults, brings an extraordinary cinematic experience to the historic River Oaks Theater. On Wednesday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m., “Houston Filmmaker Showcase: Celebrate Autism Awareness with Spectrum Fusion” will unveil a compelling collection of original short films, each crafted by Spectrum Fusion’s talented Media Team.

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, this highly anticipated event will shine a spotlight on neurodiverse creativity and the transformative power of employment in the arts. The films explore workplace realities, challenges, and triumphs, capturing the voices and visions of autistic individuals who are redefining what it means to be seen and heard in the professional world.

A Platform for Talent and Advocacy

Founded by Dr. Heidi Stieglitz Ham, Spectrum Fusion is a driving force in fostering meaningful employment opportunities for adults on the autism spectrum. Through immersive media training, individuals develop marketable skills that open doors to professional careers in film, video production, and graphic media.

“We are thrilled to partner with the iconic River Oaks Theater to introduce a broader audience to Spectrum Fusion’s groundbreaking work in media production,” says Dr. Ham. “The creativity and expertise our team brings to the table are invaluable assets to the industry.”

Featured Films

From heartfelt narratives to behind-the-scenes insights, the showcase offers a diverse lineup of films that highlight the brilliance of autistic filmmakers:

“Forward to Tomorrow” (3 min.) – An inspiring look at how Spectrum Fusion is revolutionizing career opportunities for individuals on the spectrum, creating a brighter future through innovative programs.

“What Employment Means to Me” (6 min.) – A deeply personal exploration of the role employment plays in the lives of autistic adults, featuring candid interviews that illuminate the impact of meaningful work.

“Lights, Camera, Autism” (5 min.) – A behind-the-scenes feature on the Spectrum Fusion media team, offering a glimpse into their collaborations with HTV. Special appearances include Director Ted Irving of HTV and Director Angel Ponce from the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities.

“Working Memories” (12 min.) – A visually stunning, emotionally rich series that showcases the experiences of autistic adults navigating the workplace, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of neurodiversity.

“Autistics In Cars: Driven by Passions” (20 min.) – This engaging, unscripted series takes a unique approach to storytelling, featuring conversations between autistic individuals and their ‘Uber’ driver, William Purdy. With GoPros capturing every moment, the film offers an unfiltered look at their passions and perspectives.

“Ripple Cut” (22 min.) – A compelling short film written and directed by Emily Guiffre, featuring an all-Spectrum Fusion production team. The story follows Lori, a millennial navigating the pressures of a high-powered marketing job, who finds unexpected support in a neurodivergent colleague.

Closing Presentation (1 min.) – A sneak peek at Spectrum Fusion’s 2025 fall gala, “Spotlight on the Stars: Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Autism.”

Event Details

📅 Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
📍 Location: River Oaks Theater, 2009 W. Gray, Houston, TX 77019

Schedule of Events:

6:30 PM – Doors Open & Welcome Reception

7:00 PM – Opening Remarks

7:15 PM – Film Screenings

8:20 PM – Audience Q&A with filmmakers and autism advocates

8:50 PM – Closing Remarks & Gala Preview

Tickets are available for $6 (plus a service charge) and can be purchased directly through River Oaks Theater. With limited seating, early reservations are recommended to secure your spot.

Supporting Spectrum Fusion

As Autism Acceptance Month encourages a global dialogue on inclusivity, Spectrum Fusion invites the Houston community to take action. Donations to support Spectrum Fusion Studios’ mission of providing sustainable employment for autistic adults can be made at www.spectrumfusion.org.

“By amplifying the voices of our incredible team, we are breaking barriers and dispelling outdated stereotypes about autism,” says Dr. Ham. “We hope for a strong turnout on April 23 to witness firsthand the impact of our work. Every ticket sold, every conversation sparked, and every donation made brings us closer to a future where neurodiverse talent is celebrated and embraced.”

Join us at River Oaks Theater for a night of inspiration, storytelling, and advocacy, as we celebrate the power of film to shape perspectives and change lives. See you at the showcase!