Gork!

GORK! is an entertaining and moving documentary that traces the life of Adam Terrill – a loud, charismatic, flag-twirling redhead with a complex mix of creative talents and developmental disabilities (including autism, ADHD and retardation). From his early years as a foster child, through high school graduation, to his present placement in a group home in Iowa, the film explores the conflict, humor, hopes and frustrations that arise within his 7-member family as Adam’s life unfolds. GORK! zeroes in on Adam’s close relationship with his sister, Autumn, whose childhood experiences inspire her to develop a creative approach to helping autistic children communicate. GORK! also portrays two parents who have been beaten down by a flawed system of care that they resent yet rely upon, raising important issues about how we treat people with disabilities AND their families. GORK! combines interviews, photos, home movies, and scenes from live performances of Autumn’s award-winning solo stage play, bringing to life the stories of Adam’s youth and his transition into adulthood. The tone of GORK! is frank, intimate and quirky, with comedy and drama coming from authentic voices (profanity included) of a not-so-ordinary American family. With an estimated 1 in 88 children in the United States currently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (and millions more parents, siblings, relatives, educators, caregivers and friends affected by these and related disabilities), “GORK!” brazenly opens a window into the experiences of one family and offers a glimpse into the lives of millions of others caring for someone on the spectrum. Winner, Audience Award, Interrobang Film Festival Winner, Award of Merit, The Indie Fest Official Selection, Landlocked Film Festival, Action On Film International Festival, Tacoma Film Festival Directed by Devon Terrill Produced by Devon & Autumn Terrill, Andrew Ecker Director of Photography Paul Mayne Edited by Andrew Ecker