The DocUmentary
FINDING THE MANUAL - MY LIFE WITH AUTISM
Musician and creator Henri opens up about what it means to live with autism in a world that often feels overwhelming.
After years of coping, masking, and surviving, the pressure led him to a breaking point, from which new possibilities slowly begin to emerge, possibilities he once thought impossible.
Watch the film.
*Film in Dutch. English, Dutch and Spanish subtitles available*
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How do you find your way in this world?
This 29 minute documentary film reveals an inner world that often remains unseen. An audio-visual exploration of fear, anxiety, and longing for connection in a complex world. An invitation to look beyond the surface.
To the outside world, Henri seems like a calm, creative maker and musician. On the inside, living with autism and ADD is a constant struggle with anxiety, sensory overload and doubt.
While growing up, he tried to adjust to what was expected of him. School, social situations and pressure to perform took a lot of energy and gradually became harder to manage.
In this self-directed and intimate documentary, filmed in a dark and cinematic atmosphere, Henri shares his vulnerable perspective.
With scenes where sound design and visuals reinforce each other, the chaos of his inner world becomes tangible. At the same time, personal stories and conversations with his family reveal what this has meant for him and those close to him.
In his search for grip on a world that often feels out of reach, creativity becomes a way forward, gradually shaping the foundation of Stranger on the Road.
FAQ
Why this documentary?
The documentary tells both the backstory and development of me (Henri Doornbos) and my project “Stranger on the Road”.
Growing up feeling not understood and having difficulty explaining what it is that I go through, I really felt an urge to try to make it visible. So people will understand better.
By sharing how I navigate autism, ADD, anxiety and personal growth, the film opens space for other people who recognize similar challenges with pressure, overstimulation and fear. And show that they are not alone.
Why now?
Because many people feel pressure to function, perform and keep up, yet struggle in silence with stress, overstimulation or the sense of being different. Especially neurodivergent people. There is more openness than before, but at the same time loneliness is growing and many feel they have to figure everything out on their own. A personal film that shows how someone can struggle internally while appearing “fine” from the outside fits our society today very well.
But there are already other autism documentaries.
This story adds something because it doesn’t explain autism, it shows how someone finds their own way in a world that can demand too much. And that makes it relevant to a much wider audience.
Is the film also interesting for people without autism?
Yes, absolutely! This documentary goes beyond autism. I believe everyone can find something relatable in it. Either for themselves or in someone around them.
While autism is a central theme, it also explores universal emotions and experiences: fear, pressure, expectations, uncertainty, and the quest for connection.
Furthermore, it offers valuable insights into the life of someone with autism and the profound impact it has on them and their surroundings.
Do you have a question or are you interested in collaborating?
Feel free to contact me.
A production by Stranger on the Road
Direction, editing and grading Henri Doornbos
Director of photography Bart Martens
BTS camera music video Harm Koekkoek
Directing coach Susanne Opstal
With thanks to Ben & Anita Doornbos, Tanja van Lummel & Nando Doornbos
Music Henri Doornbos
Extra music and SFX licenses Artlist
Locations De Witte Raaf (Oude Willem), De Wilg (Utrecht) & Emelwerda College (Emmeloord)
Subtitle check Nicky Dijksman
Music and lyrics “Hello Fear” Henri Doornbos & Adam Dekker
Producer music video Beau de Leeuw
Assistant Menno Sluimers
PA Lizzy Stilma
1st AC Freek van Diepen
Gaffer Gijs ten Den
Steadicam Tim Zentner
Actor “Fear” Daan TeeuW