SYNOPSIS
OBLIVIOUS TO THE WORLD AROUND HER, A 30 YEAR OLD PROGRAMMER FNDS HERSELF STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF A CODING SESSION. CONFINED TO HER BEDROOM, SHE FACES PROBING QUESTIONS FROM HER
CONFDANTE, ELIZABETH, WHO IS CONCERNED ABOUT JANE'S INNER TURMOIL. JANE INITIALLY BRUSHES OFF ELIZABETH'S ATTEMPTS AT DISCUSSION, UNAWARE THAT HER FRIEND IS TRYING TO UNCOVER THE ROOT OF HER STRESS. THROUGH THEIR CONVERSATION, JANE REALIZES THAT WHAT SHE TRULY CRAVES IS NOT A SOLUTION, BUT ACCEPTANCE, LEADING HER TO DECODE THE PROBLEM SHE'S BEEN GRAPPLING WITH. THE SIMPLEST SOLUTION IS OFTEN THE TRUTH.
Jane - Mia Foo
Jane, a late-diagnosed autistic woman in her thirties, excels in Cyber Security, driven by a deep-seated belief in creating a better world, even at the expense of her own well-being. Raised as a high achiever by immigrant parents, she feels immense pressure to excel and struggles with guilt whenever she takes a break. Despite her success, navigating the neurotypical world takes a toll on her, leaving her exhausted and longing for relief from the relentless pursuit of perfection.
Elizabeth -
Megan Placito
ELIZABETH SERVES AS JANE'S MIRROR, EMBODYING BELIEFS IN SELF-CARE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF REST. UNLIKE JANE, SHE UNDERSTANDS THE VALUE OF SUPPORT AND REJECTS THE NOTION OF FACING THE WORLD ALONE. DESPITE FREQUENTLY BEING DISMISSED BY JANE AS UNIMPORTANT, ELIZABETH REMAINS A STEADFAST SOURCE OF SUPPORT AND EMBODIES THE ESSENCE OF REST AND CONFIDENCE, TAILORED SPECIFICALLY TO JANE'S AUTISTIC NEEDS. ATTUNED TO JANE'S DESIRES AND REQUIREMENTS, ELIZABETH IS NURTURING AND CARING, REPRESENTING THE CHILDLIKE INNOCENCE THAT JANE STRIVES TO CONCEAL BENEATH HER HARDWORKING EXTERIOR.
The creator's statement
As a Maltese filmmaker, I felt a deep responsability to create a film that authentically represents the lived experience of autistic women without resorting to stereotypes. Portrayals of autistic women in media are limited, simplified, or focussed through a male lens. This film seeks to challenge that narrative by centering a voice rarely heard. This is the story of a woman who has spent her life masking, adapting, and existing in spaces not built with her in mind. With Decode Me, I hope to expand the way we see neurodivergent women on screen and offer another view of autism, away from the stereotypes.
Meet the Team
Director, Writer and Producer
Sharon Sibyl Gatt
Originally from Malta, Sharon now lives in the vibrant city of London. Multilingual from a young age, she developed a love of storytelling and languages, sparking a journey towards acting, taking classes at various institutions such as RADA, the Actor's Centre, and Shakespeare's Globe.
Sharon frst worked as a Graphic Designer which eventually led to projects and collaborations with award winning flmmakers, earning her a spot as a BAFTA Connect member in 2023. Fuelling her passion for flmmaking, Sharon also completed the Raindance Director's Foundation Certifcate and delved into Screenwriting courses. Her work includes a feature flm script selected at the Malta Film Festival, and a writing debut on stage at The Pleasance Theatre. The short flm, Hopeful, marking her directorial debut was screened at the Coastal Currents Arts Festival. She can recently be seen starring in the short flm Safe which was screened at StokerCon in San Diego and will premiere at London's Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square at Fright Fest 2024.
Beyond the creative sphere, Sharon is also an Archery coach, teaching traditional bows and more modern styles of shooting.
Producer
Arnaldo Stafa
Arnaldo is an actor and filmmaker who started Aki Studio London in order to tell powerful stories that move and entertain. Known for his ability to make quick decisions under pressure, communicate effectively and motivate others he thrives to make productions that deliver in terms of both commerciality and critical acclaim. With a background in running multiple businesses the power of balancing business and creativity serves as a very powerful combination.
Mentor / Producer
Yorgo Glynatsis
Yorgo Glynatsis, CEO and founder of House of Glynatsis Productions, is a rising Belgian, Greek, and Italian filmmaker. As a director, writer, producer, and actor, his work has been featured on platforms like Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Tubi. Known for crafting impactful, thought-provoking stories, Yorgo is dedicated to amplifying marginalised voices through authentic and powerful narratives.
His directorial debut film, the award winning and critically acclaimed short film Trigger ( mentored by Netflix One Piece actor/writer Taz Skylar and co-written and co-directed with Chloe Potamiti) secured worldwide distribution on Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Tubi as part of These Untold Secrets, a compilation of 5 powerful and impactful LGBTQAI+ short films and on Here TV.
A great story is always the bedrock of a great film
Aki Studio London
Aki Studio London stands as a distinguished UK production company dedicated to crafting distinctive narratives aimed at captivating audiences worldwide. Fusing impactful storytelling with top-tier production values, we endeavor to leave a lasting impression on our viewers. Our commitment to excellence is bolstered by the guidance of industry stalwarts like Terry Bamber, ensuring that our content consistently upholds the highest standards of quality.
