Synesthesia in Cinema: The Making of 'Magnetosphere'

Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes filmmaker Nicola Rose, to talk about her film 'Magnetosphere,' a movie about the world of synesthesia. Nicola shares her insights and challenges of portraying neurodivergence in cinema, the difficulty and complexity of independent filmmaking, and the personal journey of understanding her own ADHD diagnosis. They talk about the creative process, the importance of authentic representation, and the universal themes of growing up and self-discovery.

TAKEAWAYS

Synesthesia is a perceptual phenomenon where senses are intertwined, such as seeing sounds or tasting shapes.

Nicola Rose's film 'Magnetosphere' explores synesthesia through a coming-of-age story set in the 1990s.

Independent filmmaking presents challenges, including limited budgets and the need for creative solutions.

Neurodivergent individuals may find exploring many diverse activities helpful in better understanding themselves.

Here’s a link to check out the Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools courses that will be available soon!

Nicola Rose is a New York City-based film director and writer whose work explores neurodivergence, identity, and human connection through imaginative storytelling. She is the writer and director of Magnetosphere, a coming-of-age comedy about a neurodivergent girl discovering she has synesthesia. The film features a cast including Colin Mochrie, Tara Strong, Steven He, and Debra McGrath, and is available on major streaming platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV.

Nicola’s debut feature film, Goodbye, Petrushka, premiered at Dances With Films in Los Angeles and is now streaming widely. She has also written, directed, and produced several short films, bringing a unique creative voice to every project. Nicola is a graduate of Columbia University and the Université Sorbonne-Nouvelle in Paris.

BACKGROUND READING

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