Tony's Swing
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
Family, Drama
Tony, a 19-year-old with autism, finds solace in swinging until judgment and a police confrontation shatter his peace. Heartbroken by society's cruelty, his mother builds a backyard swing—a safe space where Tony can be himself.
Tony's Swing
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
Family, Drama
4 Campaigns | Illinois, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $5,175 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
21 supporters | followers
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Tony, a 19-year-old with autism, finds solace in swinging until judgment and a police confrontation shatter his peace. Heartbroken by society's cruelty, his mother builds a backyard swing—a safe space where Tony can be himself.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
About This Project
The Story
Imagine finding freedom in something as simple as swinging—feeling weightless, at peace, and truly yourself. For Tony, a 19-year-old with autism, swinging at the park is his sanctuary. But when judgmental stares turn into unfounded accusations, Tony is suddenly barred from the place that made him feel safe. Confronted with discrimination and misunderstanding, he finds himself isolated—until his mother, determined to protect her son, builds him a swing in their backyard. In this small yet profound act, she creates a space where Tony can finally be himself, free from judgment.
Tony’s Swing is a deeply personal and timely story that sheds light on the struggles autistic individuals face daily. It explores the painful realities of ableism, the silent prejudices that follow those who are different, and the resilience of a mother’s love. Through this film, we aim to inspire empathy and advocate for a world where neurodivergent individuals are accepted for who they are.
Why This Story? Why Now?
This film is inspired by real experiences—both from our team and from countless autistic individuals who have faced discrimination and exclusion simply for being themselves. As someone on the spectrum, I understand firsthand the feeling of being judged and misunderstood. That’s why Tony’s Swing is more than just a film—it’s a statement.
Now, more than ever, conversations around inclusion, accessibility, and neurodiversity need to be amplified. Representation of autistic individuals in film is still lacking, and when they are portrayed, it is often through a stereotypical or limited lens. This story provides an authentic perspective—one that humanizes rather than marginalizes.
With Tony’s Swing, we have an opportunity to reach audiences, challenge misconceptions, and encourage more filmmakers to create inclusive, accessible spaces both on and off-screen. This is the time to tell Tony’s story, and with your help, we can make it happen.
Our Visual Approach
To immerse audiences in Tony’s world, we are using a desaturated, cool-toned visual aesthetic inspired by Charly(1968, adapted from Flowers for Algernon). This muted palette reflects the isolation Tony feels, while contrasting moments of warmth highlight his mother’s love and resilience.
Key Visual Motifs:
Swings – A symbol of Tony’s freedom, joy, and self-expression, taken from him and then reclaimed.
Neighborhood Windows – Silent, watchful, and judgmental, representing societal prejudice.
Color Symbolism – Tony wears white, signifying innocence and purity. The judgmental world around him is dressed in black, while his mother wears gray, embodying both love and the weight of reality.
This careful use of visual storytelling enhances the emotional depth of the film, making Tony’s journey all the more powerful.
Who We Are
We are a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) project, made up of passionate filmmakers from various backgrounds, including members of the autistic and disabled communities. As an independent team of Columbia College Chicago and DePaul University alumni and students, we are committed to creating an industry where every voice is heard and every individual has a fair chance to thrive.
As the producer, I (Luisa Bott) see it as my mission to make film sets more accessible and inclusive. Our team embodies these values—ensuring that representation isn’t just happening on-screen, but behind the scenes as well. We want to pave the way for a new generation of filmmakers who will break barriers and redefine what accessibility in the industry truly means.
How Your Support Helps
We are currently in the final stages of pre-production, with plans to shoot in April 2025. Your contributions will go directly toward:
Film & Lighting Equipment Rental – Ensuring we capture the visual tone and emotional depth of the story.
Props & Wardrobe – Creating an authentic and immersive world for Tony’s journey.
Meals, Transportation & Insurance – Supporting our hardworking cast and crew.
Post-Production (Editing, Scoring, Color Correction) – Bringing the film to life with a polished, professional look.
Every dollar raised brings us closer to making Tony’s Swing a reality. If we surpass our goal, we plan to invest in festival submissions and accessibility enhancements such as audio descriptions and closed captions, ensuring the film reaches and resonates with as many people as possible.
How You Can Help
✅ Pledge – Every contribution, no matter how small, helps bring this story to life.
✅ Share – Spread the word on social media, email, or within your community.
✅ Engage – Follow our journey, interact with our updates, and be part of the conversation about autism awareness and inclusion.
Together, we can change the narrative around autism, challenge discrimination, and create a world where everyone is free to swing, to dream, and to be who they are.
Thank you for believing in this story and supporting independent, inclusive filmmaking!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Rental of Camera and Lighting Gear
Costs $1,200
Film & lighting gear are vital to capture Tony’s cool, desaturated world. Your support helps us tell his emotional story with precision.
Props/Wardrobe
Costs $200
Authentic props and wardrobe are crucial to bring our story to life, deepening character and setting the perfect tone for Tony’s journey.
Production Costs
Costs $4,500
Meals, transportation, insurance, and contingency funds keep production safe and efficient—ensuring we bring Tony’s story to life.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Welcome to the team of Tony's Swing, a project committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in every facet of our work. Our team is a vibrant mosaic of individuals from all walks of life, including members with disabilities, each bringing a unique perspective to our storytelling. We’re not just filmmakers; we’re advocates, dreamers, and change-makers, dedicated to creating an environment where every voice is heard, and every story matters.
At its core, Tony’s Swing is a story of resilience, freedom, and the search for acceptance in a world that often fails to understand. This film follows a 19-year-old autistic young man, Tony, who swings not just for fun, but as an act of self-soothing and liberation. As he faces judgment from the world around him, his journey explores themes of misunderstanding, the power of being seen for who you truly are, and the importance of empathy.
Why now? Because the world needs more stories that challenge preconceived notions, amplify marginalized voices, and foster understanding. The film industry is evolving, but it’s crucial we continue pushing for a more inclusive and accessible space for everyone. When people from different backgrounds work together, creativity thrives, innovation sparks, and barriers are broken down.
I’m Luisa Bott, the producer of Tony’s Swing, and it’s a profound privilege to lead this project. Having experienced the challenges of feeling misunderstood and judged, I’m personally driven to create film sets that not only cater to people from diverse backgrounds—including DEIA and disability communities—but also champion their rights and talents. I believe that everyone deserves a fair chance, and our project stands as a testament to that belief.
Together, our team expresses these values, and we are determined to make a lasting impact on the industry. Tony’s Swingisn’t just about making a film; it’s about paving the way for a new generation of filmmakers who will transform the industry to be more inclusive, accessible, and reflective of the world we live in.
With every frame we capture and every story we tell, we are working to build a more inclusive world—one film at a time. Thank you for supporting our mission and for believing in the power of diverse voices to change the world.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
About This Project
The Story
Imagine finding freedom in something as simple as swinging—feeling weightless, at peace, and truly yourself. For Tony, a 19-year-old with autism, swinging at the park is his sanctuary. But when judgmental stares turn into unfounded accusations, Tony is suddenly barred from the place that made him feel safe. Confronted with discrimination and misunderstanding, he finds himself isolated—until his mother, determined to protect her son, builds him a swing in their backyard. In this small yet profound act, she creates a space where Tony can finally be himself, free from judgment.
Tony’s Swing is a deeply personal and timely story that sheds light on the struggles autistic individuals face daily. It explores the painful realities of ableism, the silent prejudices that follow those who are different, and the resilience of a mother’s love. Through this film, we aim to inspire empathy and advocate for a world where neurodivergent individuals are accepted for who they are.
Why This Story? Why Now?
This film is inspired by real experiences—both from our team and from countless autistic individuals who have faced discrimination and exclusion simply for being themselves. As someone on the spectrum, I understand firsthand the feeling of being judged and misunderstood. That’s why Tony’s Swing is more than just a film—it’s a statement.
Now, more than ever, conversations around inclusion, accessibility, and neurodiversity need to be amplified. Representation of autistic individuals in film is still lacking, and when they are portrayed, it is often through a stereotypical or limited lens. This story provides an authentic perspective—one that humanizes rather than marginalizes.
With Tony’s Swing, we have an opportunity to reach audiences, challenge misconceptions, and encourage more filmmakers to create inclusive, accessible spaces both on and off-screen. This is the time to tell Tony’s story, and with your help, we can make it happen.
Our Visual Approach
To immerse audiences in Tony’s world, we are using a desaturated, cool-toned visual aesthetic inspired by Charly(1968, adapted from Flowers for Algernon). This muted palette reflects the isolation Tony feels, while contrasting moments of warmth highlight his mother’s love and resilience.
Key Visual Motifs:
Swings – A symbol of Tony’s freedom, joy, and self-expression, taken from him and then reclaimed.
Neighborhood Windows – Silent, watchful, and judgmental, representing societal prejudice.
Color Symbolism – Tony wears white, signifying innocence and purity. The judgmental world around him is dressed in black, while his mother wears gray, embodying both love and the weight of reality.
This careful use of visual storytelling enhances the emotional depth of the film, making Tony’s journey all the more powerful.
Who We Are
We are a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) project, made up of passionate filmmakers from various backgrounds, including members of the autistic and disabled communities. As an independent team of Columbia College Chicago and DePaul University alumni and students, we are committed to creating an industry where every voice is heard and every individual has a fair chance to thrive.
As the producer, I (Luisa Bott) see it as my mission to make film sets more accessible and inclusive. Our team embodies these values—ensuring that representation isn’t just happening on-screen, but behind the scenes as well. We want to pave the way for a new generation of filmmakers who will break barriers and redefine what accessibility in the industry truly means.
How Your Support Helps
We are currently in the final stages of pre-production, with plans to shoot in April 2025. Your contributions will go directly toward:
Film & Lighting Equipment Rental – Ensuring we capture the visual tone and emotional depth of the story.
Props & Wardrobe – Creating an authentic and immersive world for Tony’s journey.
Meals, Transportation & Insurance – Supporting our hardworking cast and crew.
Post-Production (Editing, Scoring, Color Correction) – Bringing the film to life with a polished, professional look.
Every dollar raised brings us closer to making Tony’s Swing a reality. If we surpass our goal, we plan to invest in festival submissions and accessibility enhancements such as audio descriptions and closed captions, ensuring the film reaches and resonates with as many people as possible.
How You Can Help
✅ Pledge – Every contribution, no matter how small, helps bring this story to life.
✅ Share – Spread the word on social media, email, or within your community.
✅ Engage – Follow our journey, interact with our updates, and be part of the conversation about autism awareness and inclusion.
Together, we can change the narrative around autism, challenge discrimination, and create a world where everyone is free to swing, to dream, and to be who they are.
Thank you for believing in this story and supporting independent, inclusive filmmaking!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Rental of Camera and Lighting Gear
Costs $1,200
Film & lighting gear are vital to capture Tony’s cool, desaturated world. Your support helps us tell his emotional story with precision.
Props/Wardrobe
Costs $200
Authentic props and wardrobe are crucial to bring our story to life, deepening character and setting the perfect tone for Tony’s journey.
Production Costs
Costs $4,500
Meals, transportation, insurance, and contingency funds keep production safe and efficient—ensuring we bring Tony’s story to life.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Welcome to the team of Tony's Swing, a project committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in every facet of our work. Our team is a vibrant mosaic of individuals from all walks of life, including members with disabilities, each bringing a unique perspective to our storytelling. We’re not just filmmakers; we’re advocates, dreamers, and change-makers, dedicated to creating an environment where every voice is heard, and every story matters.
At its core, Tony’s Swing is a story of resilience, freedom, and the search for acceptance in a world that often fails to understand. This film follows a 19-year-old autistic young man, Tony, who swings not just for fun, but as an act of self-soothing and liberation. As he faces judgment from the world around him, his journey explores themes of misunderstanding, the power of being seen for who you truly are, and the importance of empathy.
Why now? Because the world needs more stories that challenge preconceived notions, amplify marginalized voices, and foster understanding. The film industry is evolving, but it’s crucial we continue pushing for a more inclusive and accessible space for everyone. When people from different backgrounds work together, creativity thrives, innovation sparks, and barriers are broken down.
I’m Luisa Bott, the producer of Tony’s Swing, and it’s a profound privilege to lead this project. Having experienced the challenges of feeling misunderstood and judged, I’m personally driven to create film sets that not only cater to people from diverse backgrounds—including DEIA and disability communities—but also champion their rights and talents. I believe that everyone deserves a fair chance, and our project stands as a testament to that belief.
Together, our team expresses these values, and we are determined to make a lasting impact on the industry. Tony’s Swingisn’t just about making a film; it’s about paving the way for a new generation of filmmakers who will transform the industry to be more inclusive, accessible, and reflective of the world we live in.
With every frame we capture and every story we tell, we are working to build a more inclusive world—one film at a time. Thank you for supporting our mission and for believing in the power of diverse voices to change the world.