A Pennsylvania woman with autism whose life story became an award-winning documentary will deliver a message of optimism Thursday in Columbus during a public screening of the film.
“Dina,” which received the documentary grand jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival last year, profiles Dina Buno, a woman with high-functioning autism, and her husband, Scott Levin, who also has autism.
Buno will speak before and after the film — shown at 6 p.m. Thursday at YES Cinema, 325 Jackson St. — and take questions from the public, said Dick Boyce, a member of the Columbus Meridian Kiwanis Club, which is sponsoring Buno’s visit.
Individuals associated the Stonebelt, Developmental Services Inc., the Autism Society of Indiana and the Columbus Meridian Kiwanis Club’s Aktion Club, which support people with disabilities, have been invited to attend Thursday’s screening, Boyce said.
The Kiwanis Aktion Club, chartered five years ago, has 24 members, he said.
“There are opportunities to better yourself and improve,” Boyce said. “She’s living proof.”
Buno, who lives outside of Philadelphia, said she plans to speak about her disability, life growing up and her experience in making the film.
Buno was asked by director Dan Sickles to be in the film. Sickles’ father, Dan, was her special education teacher growing up, she said.
“It was to honor his legacy,” Buno said. “He knew I wanted to be like everybody else.”
Individuals who have autism or other disabilities should not let that stop them from pursuing whatever they want to accomplish in life, Buno said.
“Don’t have any fears of dreaming big,” she said. “Go big or go home.”
Buno said she tells parents of individuals with disabilities to let their children have their own dreams, whether it is having a career, driving a vehicle or acting.
Buno is in the process of writing a book that focuses on pursuing her own dreams, finding strength and developing her own voice.
Many people don’t believe it when told that at one time, Buno had no self-confidence, she said.
“This movie has given me a boost up,” Buno said.
She has enjoyed traveling across the country to talk about the documentary.
“This was my dream and I’m hoping to do other things,” Buno said.
Although there is no admission cost for Thursday’s screening, donations that are made will go to the 3 Wishes campaign through the Riley Children’s Foundation and Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, which is focusing on early identification and help for children with autism, Boyce said.
Funds will also support training and screening for primary care practices, small fellowships and training at Riley for rural and community physicians.
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What: Film screening of award-winning documentary "Dina" featuring actress Dino Buno, who will be in attendance and meet with members of the public
When: 6 p.m. Thursday
Where: YES Cinema, 325 Jackson St.
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For more information about the film "Dina," visit dina.film/
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