Dyslexic & Loving Words (2013)

Dyslexic & Loving Words (Film 2012/13)

Role: Film maker, researcher, editor & interviewer

 “Fascinating and moving.” Sir Ken Robinson, Author & Educationalist

In 2012, motivated by my own experiences and observations, I approached Sheffield’s Off the Shelf Festival of Words about an idea I had to make a film celebrating successful dyslexic writers. I wanted to highlight what is possible for people who love words but who have the added cognitive difficulties associated with dyslexia such as poor short term and working memory, and processing, sequencing and phonetic issues.

I couldn’t see any resource like it and, as they say is often common in dyslexic thinking (although I’m not sure what the evidence is), I saw a way of solving a problem using my own creative skills and set about trying to make it happen. I was particular keep to enthuse dyslexic children and young people who have yet to decide what kind of path they want in life. I know, only too well, how being dyslexic, or others responses to someone’s dyslexic, can set a child back and make them feel useless.

Off the Shelf were wonderfully supportive and later in 2012 they commissioned me, via Sheffield Town Trust, to make what is – Dyslexic and Loving Words.

I am very proud of this film. It was a labour of love and it feels so good to know I have made a little positive difference to dyslexics out there. Thankfully, general understanding about dyslexic has changed hugely in the last 50 years, but we still have a limited perception of intelligence.

What people have said about Dyslexic & Loving Words…

“This is the best documentary I have ever seen on dyslexia. It expresses my own experience more clearly than I have seen expressed before. Towards the end, a thought came to me – what would have happened if I’d seen it when I was a child. That made me cry. I can’t speak of it highly enough”. Author & Novelist Rod Duncan

“I watched your film as soon as I got this e-mail. I am now sat here feeling emotional, it’s a stunning piece of work. I work with words as a dyslexic hypnotherapist, my son is dyslexic and I suspect my younger son is too. Your film has given me more hope for my children and has also helped me understand how I can be really good at a job I was told I could never do. Thank you so much for this film, if you were here I would hug you”.

“I only came here because I’m doing a presentation on Benjamin Z. in English and I read his name in the info box, but I ended up watching the whole thing. Honestly, you did amazing work here, and even as a non-dyslexic person there was so much for me to learn and think about. I love how you made it very clear that self-expression, imagination and the love of words do not necessarily require perfect grammar or a certain type of education, and how there are so many different ways of accessing language!”

 “Thanks Vicky. This is a really good insight into dyslexia. As a dyslexic myself, I can relate to a lot. I was told similar things in school myself. I am now running my own business – talking for a living as a tour guide.” Stephen Griffin

“Thank you, you’re right. We can do anything we adapt to.” Hayley Pickup

“This is a stunning film, it gives me hope for my boys and is insightful and addresses many of the myths of dyslexia.”

“I only came here because I’m doing a presentation on Benjamin Z. in English and I read his name in the info box, but I ended up watching the whole thing. Honestly, you did amazing work here, and even as a non-dyslexic person there was so much for me to learn and think about. I love how you made it very clear that self-expression, imagination and the love of words do not necessarily require perfect grammar or a certain type of education, and how there are so many different ways of accessing language!” Marie Ströbitzer

“A great film – very useful as a non-dyslexic special needs teacher and storyteller. I agree with EVERYTHING in this film!!! PLEASE LISTEN EDUCATION MINISTERS OF THE FUTURE!!!!”  Abbie Palache

…………

Dyslexic and Loving Words 
A film by Vicky Morris 
Made for Off the Shelf Festival of Words 2013

Dyslexic and Loving Words asks the question — “What if you’re dyslexic but you love to write or use words?” Through interviews with seven practicing wordsmiths, the film highlights how it’s possible to overcome dyslexic issues or work around the challenges they present if you have a passion for words.

Within the testimonials we find a poet and author, a storyteller, a spoken word artist, a creative writing student, a novelist and the founder of an initiative for dyslexic writers. There are also insights from Mel Hunt, Principal Specialist Teacher at Dyslexia Action Sheffield and Professor John Stein, of the Dyslexia Research Trust.

Wordsmiths:
Shonaleigh Cumbers
Benjamin Zephaniah
Sally Gardner
Saju Ahmed
Lily Davies
Naomi Folb
Adderson Hawdon

Specialists:
Mel Hunt, Principal Specialist Teacher, Dyslexia Action
Professor John Stein, Dyslexia Research Trust

Music: ‘Remember This’ by Dave James & Richard O’Connor

Camera: Jenson Grant
Assistant Camera: Ed Kitchen
Editing: Vicky Morris & Ed Kitchen
Production Support: Jenson Grant & Rob Speranza

Thank you to all who supported the making of this film.
Special thanks to Su Walker and the team at Off the Shelf Festival of Words, Mel Hunt and Emma Malcolm at Dyslexia Action, Jenson Grant and Ed Kitchen, & Lily Davies and family.

Funded and supported by:
Sheffield Town Trust
Off the Shelf Festival of Words, Sheffield