They identify as non-binary and prefer to be called Ocean. Why not? The name suits them perfectly. Like the ocean, their mind is vast, deep, and filled with countless emotions, ideas, and perspectives. Beneath the surface lies a world of imagination and creativity, constantly moving and evolving. Through filmmaking, Ocean strives to transform those emotions into unique stories that inspire, connect, and leave audiences in awe.
Ocean Thakkar, 26 years old, is an aspiring filmmaker whose creative voice is reflective of being autistic. Diagnosed with autism at the age of 13, their different perspective on the world has fuelled a remarkable eye for storytelling. Ocean hopes to break stereotypes through film, reclaim the narratives of unheard voices, and create stories that make people feel seen, understood, and connected.
Filmmaking is not only an aspiration for Ocean, but also their language. It is the vessel they use to share feelings, ideas, and experiences that are sometimes difficult to articulate. They feel they have an edge over other filmmakers because of their autism diagnosis.
“I recognize details, feelings, sounds, and patterns that others might not usually observe. All of my stories come from the fact that I want to portray different perspectives so people can realize it’s not just them on this planet who sees the world differently,” they say.
As a child, Ocean struggled with aspects of autism such as social situations, sensory overload, and finding places where they felt safe and able to be themselves. But those very experiences built their creative muscle instead of holding them back.
“I became more sensitive and observant as a person from those experiences. To me, storytelling is a safe way to reflect on emotion, identity, and belonging,” they say.
It was when they first called themselves a filmmaker that they truly found their path through visual storytelling.
“I realized I could express things through a camera that were sometimes hard to explain in words. Writing scenes and characters gave me a medium to express my thoughts, imagination, and experiences,” they say.
That awareness became a turning point.
“I thought I had discovered somewhere I could be more authentic.”
They love the creative aspect of filmmaking but recognize how difficult it can be to organize projects, manage deadlines, and communicate ideas to larger teams. However, they see these experiences as opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
If given the chance to tell a story about autism, Ocean would present a more complete and balanced view of neurodivergent life in all its vibrancy.
“I would tell a story from the inside perspective of a neurodivergent person—not only the hardships, but also the strengths, imagination, love, and gifted insights that come with a differently maze-like way of thinking,” they say.
Their argument is that society often places too much emphasis on conformity, sometimes at the expense of uniqueness, artistic ability, and individual strengths.
“I want people to see autism as a part of somebody’s identity and really get to know the person behind the diagnosis,” they say.
Throughout their journey, Ocean’s family has stood by them and encouraged them to see both their creativity and autism as strengths rather than limitations.
“My family helped me realize that I don’t have to tell stories like everyone else. I can tell them in my own way,” they say.
Ocean hopes their work spreads greater awareness about autism and neurodiversity while reminding audiences everywhere that every person has a story worth telling.
“Everyone has a story to tell,” they say.
For Ocean Thakkar, filmmaking is more than a profession—it is a platform for representation, understanding, and change. As an autistic filmmaker, they exemplify why neurodivergent voices are not only important in the film industry but essential to telling stories that reflect the full diversity of human experience.
