Newton Theatre film to raise funds for autism

NEWTON — The Newton Theatre will present the award-winning film "Swim Team," the inspiring story of three team-mates who are on the Autism spectrum, on Sunday, Aug. 27, at 3 p.m. This screening is free to the public. However, donations will be accepted, as this is a fundraiser for Autism NJ and the Sussex County YMCA.
"Swim Team" chronicles the overwhelming struggles and extraordinary triumphs of three young athletes with autism and shows how a swim team can bring hope to a community.
In New Jersey, the parents of a boy on the autism spectrum take matters into their own hands. They form a competitive swim team, recruiting diverse teens on the spectrum and train them with high expectations and zero pity. The Jersey Hammerheads is the Special Olympics swimming team Michael McQuay founded with his wife, Maria, inspired by their son Mikey.
Mikey, one of the Hammerheads’ stars, is among the three principal subjects of "Swim Team," a documentary by Lara Stolman. The others are Robbie, who says he aspires to be faster than Michael Phelps, and Kelvin, who has Tourette’s syndrome in addition to autism.
Made over the course of two years, the documentary follows the challenges they face, both personally and as a group. The movie also trails their parents, who raise their children — mostly teenagers — without a rule book, at times feeling isolated themselves, but finding camaraderie in one another.
"Swim Team" chronicles the extraordinary rise of the Jersey Hammerheads, capturing a moving quest for inclusion, independence and a life that feels winning.
For additional information, visit www.thenewtontheatre.com, or contact the Box Office at 973-383-3700.