A student at Ealing’s University of West London has had his documentary about growing up with autism selected in three categories at next month’s Ealing Film Festival.
Acting Normal, by Media and Communications student Nathan Wallace-Auguste from UWL’s London School of Film, Media and Design (LSFMD), will be shown in the Documentary, Homegrown and Student categories at the festival, which runs from 15 to 18 October 2026.
The film looks at Nathan’s experience of growing up with autism and the role acting played in helping him feel more “normal”. It also includes conversations with his father about how he reacted to his son’s autism.
Nathan said: “I really appreciate UWL giving me the tools and opportunity to make this important short film and I’m honoured to be selected. I hope it resonates with people.”
Work by three other LSFMD students will also be shown during the festival.
Short films by Evan Almond, Jesse Williams and Romar Brickersteth-Dixon were longlisted and received honourable mentions.
The festival programme also includes a film featuring performances by students from UWL’s London College of Music as part of its 90 Songs Project.
Ealing Film Festival communications manager Anna Stefanek said: “Acting Normal is an incredibly candid and personal documentary, and there’s something very affecting about the way Nathan examines his own relationship with the idea of ‘normality’.
“We’re delighted to continue celebrating emerging talent from UWL.”
The Ealing Film Festival takes place at ActOne Cinema in Acton and Ealing Picturehouse from 15 to 18 October.
