A Boy Named Po is a 2016 drama film. The movie is about an overworked engineer whose wife dies of cancer and he struggles to take care of his son with autism. In response to bullying, his son escapes to a magical fantasy world called the Land of Colors. The bonds between David Wilson (Christopher Gorham) and his autistic son Patrick "Po" (Julian Feder) are tested as they try to cope with the loss of their mother.
Directed by John Asher and written by Colin Goldman and Steve C. Roberts. The film was inspired by the director's son, who was diagnosed with autism. The film won 10 awards, including Julian Feder's "Rising Star - Actor" award, and was nominated for 3 awards. The music for the movie was composed by Burt Bacharach.
Movie Trailer (Youtube)
Theme
The theme of the movie A Boy Called Po is grief, living with autism, parenting challenges, and coping through imagination. The movie is about a father's struggle to take care of his son with autism after the loss of his wife, and his son's escape into a fantasy world against bullying. It has also been described as a film that shows both the difficulties and the joys of living with an autistic child. The fact that the director was inspired by his son, who was diagnosed with autism, shows that the film takes an in-depth approach to these themes. The film also explores the bonds of love between father and son and how these bonds are tested in the face of adversity.
Cast and Characters
Christopher Gorham (David Wilson): An overworked engineer who struggles to care for his autistic son, Po, on his own. He is grieving for his wife.
Julian Feder (Po/Patrick Wilson): A gifted boy with autism who escapes into a fantasy world after the death of his mother. He is also a child who is very close to his mother and faces difficulties in expressing his sense of loss.
Box Office
A Boy Called Po has an estimated budget of $500,000. Its gross in the United States (US) and Canada was $4,550. In its opening weekend (September 3, 2017), it grossed $2,693 in the US and Canada. Its worldwide gross is $4,550.
Awards and Nominations
Awards
- Newport Beach Film Festival: Burt Bacharach won the "Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking - Music" award.
- Palm Beach International Film Festival: Winner of the "Best Feature Film" award.
- San Diego International Film Festival: Winner of the "Breakthrough Feature" award.
- World Festival Houston: Julian Feder, winner of the "Rising Star - Actor" award. John Asher won the "Special Jury Award" for "Best Film".
- Young Artist Awards: Julian Feder won the "Best Performance in a Feature Film - Young Actor in a Leading Role" (for Po).
- Albuquerque Film and Musical Experience: Julian Feder won the Jury Award for Best Actor - Feature Film.
- Young Entertainer Awards: Julian Feder won the "Best Young Lead Actor - Independent or Film Festival Feature Film Award".
Nominations
- Satellite Awards: In 2017, Burt Bacharach and Billy Mann were nominated for "Best Original Song" for their song "Dancing with Your Shadow".
- Hollywood Music Media Awards (HMMA): In 2016, Burt Bacharach (music and lyrics) and Sheryl Crow (voice) were nominated for "Best Original Song - Feature Film" for the song "Dancing with Your Shadow".
- Young Entertainer Awards: In 2017, Caitlin Carmichael was nominated for "Best Supporting Young Actress - Independent or Film Festival Feature Film".
