User Reviews

Autism Paints proves the importance of the arts to our society. Art remedies the challenges of life in a priceless way. This film introduces us to Erich Preis, a man who lovingly restored an abandoned, forgotten space to make a school for children with special needs and war veterans. Erich's restoration goal was to provide the community with public art through projects created by young community members facing challenges. The director of Autism Paints, lovingly brings this well paced story to our attention, driving home the much known fact how art benefits our society. The camera peers into Erich's eyes showing his thinking, sensitivity, struggle, sadness and perseverance. The filming is beautiful and matter of fact just like this story. It just, "is". But watching it unfold, I was drawn into this story scene by scene. The end result is extremely emotional. I am blown away by this labor of love. Keep the art alive!!!

A heartfelt film about an artist overcoming personal challenges and everyday obstacles while staying true to his ideals and principles.

The film is touching and honest portraying every person involved with truth and innocence.

Erich's struggles are met with moments of profound wisdom, making him incredibly relatable and inspiring.

Autism Paints captures not only an artist but a man of faith who wants to help others through art while honoring history and military servicemen and women.

The passion put into this documentary is felt from beginning to end in a way we can all appreciate and learn something about ourselves and strength of the human spirit.

Beautiful film, worth the watch!

I drove past the gas station dozens of times, always admiring the wonderful artwork. But I had no idea of the beautiful dream behind it, or the struggle to achieve that dream. I am grateful that David Stagnari had the foresight to record Erich's journey, taking a leap of faith that he would witness something wonderful. Erich's work (and Erich himself) deserve to be celebrated, and I hope he is given the recognition by the local community that he deserves.

David Stagnari's film is an impressive achievement in its own right. The audience was completely engaged, at time laughing and other times sighing with disappointment as we followed the ups and downs of Erich's story.

Autism Paint2 is a moving story about underdogs who draw you in, make you root for them, and take you through a gamut of emotions and themes: laughter, frustration, risk, hopefulness, pain, disappointment, ironic-humor, anger, wonder, admiration, tension, innocence, sacrifice, and altruism.

This film shows how imperfection, flaws, and adversity can lead to unforeseen creativity, innovation, and determination. This is reflected in the tireless work of a selfless artist whose work is intrinsically tied to helping those with the myriad challenges of autism, and others who have sacrificed their mental health by fighting in unwinnable, intractable, and brutal wars. The documentary also turns the camera on itself, a beautifully unique and resonant feature, in which the director works with imperfect, broken equipment to produce a story that is more interesting to view than any big-budget production. Director David Stagnari manages to make the beautiful yet inanimate art in Autism Paint2 come alive with effectively choreographed editing, music, and imagery. He and Mr. Preis develop a mutualism and chemistry based on trust and working for an important common cause that enables Mr. Preis to tell his story. This is done so effectively not only in words but also in poignant, silent responses, and in unexpected gems in the scenery. There are so many life lessons to be learned from this film; it bears repeated viewing.

Autism Paint2 touches your heart, as was clearly evident at a recent showing at Huntington's Cinema Arts Center: the packed theater audience had tears of sadness and joy and the emotion that comes from seeing something beautiful.

Filmmaker David Stagnari had the rare and magical opportunity of capturing moments of consequence in the touching story of struggling artist Erich Preis and the art center called The Spirit of Huntington's evolution as they actually unfold.

The Director's skilled editing, emotive music and interesting camera work crafts a throughly engaging film, weaving together the artist's difficult life with that of the special needs children and Veteran's who are helped through art therapy he provides at the center/converted gas station.

An important gritty film for anyone believing in the Power of Art to heal, motive and ultimately persevere over life's challenges mental or physical.

And there absolutely must be a Part 2...

I am kind of speechless after watching this. To be able to capture a story like this is so unreal. You couldn't make up a story like this. To see what this amazing man was able to create from his talent and pain. To overcome every challenge that came his way was so inspiring. But the ending left me heartbroken. It me realize that artists must let go of what they create. Let others appreciate it and move on. It will live on forever where ever it ends up. Random things that stood out to me... forgiving the people who hurt you. Allowing changes to happen. There were so many beautiful stories in this. Every artist touched me. So many important issues. From the Vets to people with special needs to the bureaucratic red tape. I was absolutely moved. The film is beautiful, honest, and real.