Character Analysis on the Representation of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Two Selected Ethiopian Amharic Films

Abstract

There is no denying the value of film in fostering social interaction, creating awareness, and developing the economy, culture, education, and language. The purpose of this paper is to assess and examine how people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are portrayed in two Amharic films. The study's findings were based on information obtained from six direct participants—film producers, directors, scriptwriters, and actors—who were carefully chosen through interviews and firsthand viewings of the two chosen films. It took advantage of media content analysis. The data from the interviews and the film video were then thematically examined for the study. Among other things, the study's findings showed that characters are portrayed in ways consistent with the behavioral characteristics of people with autism. Other concerns impacting films about ASD include the lack of awareness of ASD among film producers and writers, the lack of care among government officials for ASD and how it affects their ability to make high-quality films, and an overreliance on one individual for all roles. The two Amharic films that were chosen, "Tism" and "Bandaf," have their own strengths and limitations when it comes to portraying or expressing ASD characters or features. The study found that lack of understanding about ASD and misconceptions about people with ASD were the root causes of these strengths and limits.