New Documentary Reveals a Non-Speaking Autistic Woman's Journey to Voice

A new short documentary, Buried Under Years of Dust, will premiere at the San Francisco International Film Festival this Friday. The film tells the story of Emily Grodin, a non-speaking autistic woman who spent much of her life unable to communicate verbally. Her journey to finding her voice through assisted typing is now the focus of this powerful production. Emily Grodin’s breakthrough came when she gained access to an assisted-typing device. Her first words typed with the method were striking: 'I have been buried under years of dust.' This moment marked the beginning of her ability to express herself fully.

The documentary draws from a memoir co-written by Grodin and her mother, Valerie Gilpeer. Gilpeer wanted to share her daughter’s profound insights and experiences with a wider audience. The film highlights Grodin’s rich inner life, showcasing her creativity and intelligence through her own writing. Produced by Marta Kauffman, Robbie Rowe Tollin, Hannah KS Canter, and Sophie Sartain, the documentary aims to inspire others. Grodin herself encourages people to seek effective communication methods rather than accept silence. After its festival debut, the film will also air on the upcoming season of *Independent Lens* on PBS.

The premiere of Buried Under Years of Dust brings Grodin’s story to a broader public. Her journey from silence to self-expression offers a compelling look at the power of communication. The documentary will be available to viewers nationwide when it broadcasts on PBS later this year.