Emily Carey, known for “Geek Girl,” and Lola Blue from “A Kind of Spark” are set to lead in the short film “The Birth of a Mall Goth,” a groundbreaking effort focusing on autistic-centered narratives. This project uniquely places neurodiverse talent both in front of and behind the camera, highlighting the importance of authentic representation in film.
A Creative Vision Rooted in Authenticity
Writer-director Samantha Locock crafted the script for “The Birth of a Mall Goth” inspired by goth subculture. Her realization that the story paralleled her own neurodivergent experiences didn’t come until after her autism diagnosis. This revelation brought a new depth to the film, demonstrating how personal experiences influence creative endeavors.
“When I wrote this script, I didn’t fully grasp why I was drawn to the goth transformation,” Locock reflected. “Now, it represents the autistic journey of making sense of a perplexing world—a process of constant searching for personally resonant answers.”
Addressing Representation Challenges
The film addresses the ongoing issue of representation, as highlighted by Ruderman Family Foundation research that shows less than 5% of autistic characters are played by autistic actors. Emily Carey was drawn to the script, further connecting with Locock’s neurodivergence and bringing her authentic perspective to the project.
“An autistic viewpoint brings unique detail and creativity,” Carey noted. “Working with neurodivergent artists on such a brilliantly silly, yet meticulously crafted short, was refreshing. We’ve made something magical together.”
Lola Blue expressed similar enthusiasm, saying, “It’s an honor to portray autistic characters crafted by autistic creatives. This role let me explore identity through the lens of the female autistic experience without the film being solely ‘about autism.'”
Nostalgia and Personal Relevance
Producer Poppi Knight, who has worked with Locock before, connected with the story through her own teenage subculture experiences, only realizing her neurodivergent perspective in adulthood.
“The project initially appealed to me for nostalgic reasons,” Knight explained. “I recall a time when kids transformed into goths overnight. Like Samantha, I was diagnosed later in life, and unraveling this story became empowering.”
Empowering Underrepresented Voices
Produced by Victoria Emslie’s Primetime, a company advocating for underrepresented voices, the film amplifies stories across disability, gender, and sexuality. Emslie emphasized, “Nuanced representation is not just a checkbox – it’s a responsibility. This film offers an authentic glimpse into an unseen world.”
“The Birth of a Mall Goth” will debut at the Newport Beach Film Festival this October, promising to bring its unique and authentic narrative to a wider audience.
