Parallel World

Using video diary footage, Parallel World chronicles the 12-year journey of Elodie, a French-Taiwanese girl with Asperger syndrome. Through Elodie's drawings and clay works, the audience can take a glimpse of her whimsical world. The film, a mother's love letter to her daughter, follows them on a journey of self-seeking and self-recognition.  

'I became a mother when Elodie was born, and this new identity prompted me to contemplate culture, identity, and national boundaries. The film Somewhere Over the Cloud is a result of the contemplations. As Elodie continued to grow, I found myself examining how an individual connects with the outside world once again.  

'Elodie was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. She has dysgraphia but possesses a talent for drawing. As a mother, I want to equip my child with the skill sets required for her to survive in society, yet at the same time, I wonder what makes us human; wonder if I can truly understand my child's inner needs. I observe how creativity is gradually undermined when individuals are pressured by society to conform to a standard mold. But what is a normal person anyway? Isn't normality just an averaged-out result of a lot of random people?  

'At the age of fifteen Elodie went to her father's country to begin a new phase of her life. I became a "Zoom Mom": The videos recorded during the past ten years have been a source of reflection on our lives. For more than 10 years, I had to freeze my emotions to continue walking the tightrope as a special child's mother and translating all these complex feelings into a documentary proved to be my outlet.  

'All special children are gifts from God. These words, pictures, and videos are my self-therapy and what I would like to share with the world. Let them become the most profound love and blessing for my child.' - HSIAO Mei-ling