Navigating Autism

04/08/2026

Please be sure to watch and like! The Rally is a short film in competition for the EasterSeals Disability Challege, so every view counts! The Tal Anderson

https://youtu.be/jVUqWVlkD7g?si=ytAcxQk-dKvXbJjK

Easterseals Bella ZoeOMLRmovie

On a very special occasion, a young woman waits for a certain guest to arrive, but will they show?

03/16/2026

Autism families, allies, and advocates — we need your help for 10 seconds.

🗳️ Please VOTE for Once More, Like Rain Man
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMbJ75g_W6xaZ8YhmDpv6zCq_2iTf7jwriqGrjJ6b87rMjIA/viewform

⚠️ Important:
• Skip the Feature Film section
• Scroll down to Short Film
• Vote for Once More, Like Rain Man

People say all the time:
“Hollywood needs more stories by autistic creators with authentic autistic characters.”

We agree.

But those stories only keep getting made if people actually show up and support them.

🎬 Once More, Like Rain Man — the first autistic-led short film to become Oscar®-qualified — is up for the People’s Choice Award, and this vote helps show that audiences want authentic autistic stories.

🙏 Please VOTE and SHARE.

And tag someone who cares about autism representation so they can vote too

The film with the highest total combined score for its category will receive an HRIFF People’s Choice Award for the categories below.

02/05/2026

MARCUS SCIARRA is missing. Marcus is autistic, so we’re especially concerned and asking everyone to please keep an eye out and share this widely.
Last seen: Extended Stay Hotel, 401 E. Santa Clara St, Arcadia
Time: 10 PM on Wednesday, Feb 4, 2026
Description: 6’2” Latino male. Last seen wearing red “Champion” pants, a gray “Just Do It” t-shirt, and blue Nike shoes.
If you see Marcus, please contact: 317-532-7887.

09/15/2025

🌟 Proud parent moment! 🌟
Our daughter Bella Zoe Areffi was just featured on NBC’s California Live, where she shares her journey as an actress, singer-songwriter, and advocate for autism and neurodivergent artists in Hollywood. 🎬💜
She’s using her voice and her art to open doors for others—and we couldn’t be more inspired.
📺 Watch the full segment here:
http://bit.ly/4n59isM

06/05/2025

🌟 Come meet Bella Zoe, the autistic star and writer of Once More, Like Rain Man, live and in person! 🌟
Catch her at IndieX Film Festival, Block 4, this Saturday at 4 PM at Regal LA Live in Downtown Los Angeles.

🎬 After the screening, Bella will be taking photos, signing autographs, and hanging out with the audience! Plus — we’ll have free posters and exclusive merch available.

🎟 Tickets: https://filmfreeway.com/IndieX/tickets
📍 Directions: https://maps.apple.com/place?address=1000+W+Olympic+Blvd%2C+Los+Angeles%2C+CA++90015
👥 Big shoutout to our community friends:
Autism Los Angeles
Autism Society of America
EPIC Players

09/30/2024

Melissa Martinez-Areffi and Kennedy Areffi are off to the Heldsberg International film festival to attend the award ceremony.

09/24/2024

Check out Bella Zoe’s new single that appears in the movie
starring

Stream and Save Woe to the People of Order - Distributed by DistroKid

09/13/2024

Why Lucille Ball was the undisputed queen of comedy.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1300018268070885?fs=e&mibextid=0NULKw&fs=e&s=TIeQ9V

08/29/2024

Thank you committee & congratulations to the cast & Crew. We will see you at the festival - get your wine glasses ready. 🍷🍾


Bella Zoe



Vella Lovell
Scott Krinsky
James Paxton
Darren Dean
Suzann Ellis Spurgeon
Melissa Martinez-Areffi
Glory Simon
1in4Coalition

08/22/2024

New poster from the amazing Mark Rowell for Once More Like Rain Man OMLRmovie - September 14th at 5PM North Hollywood Cinefest. Please come see the film and support an amazing cause and an amazing film.

https://cinefest.ticketbud.com/shorts-9









1in4Coalition

08/02/2024

Happy birthday Bella Zoe. Mommy and Daddy love you.