AUSTISM, NEURODIVERGENCE and Visual Thinking: John Barnhardt, director/writer/producer OPEN DOOR; THE TEMPLE GRANDIN STORY

John Barnhardt, writer/director/producer of OPEN DOOR, the documentary film about Temple Grandin, shares his insights, revelations and experiences as both filmmaker and teacher  in the making of the film. A film festival hit, AN OPEN DOOR is an iconic, inside peek at the mind of Colorado State University professor Temple Grandin, well-known for her exemplary work in understanding how cattle and horses see, hear and feel and influencing livestock industry practices. Her ground-breaking work has heavily influenced the humane treatment of cattle and horses and is considered a hallmark in animal welfare care. Temple, who is autistic, has done extensive efforts both through her voice and work in pushing the envelope of understanding  and acceptance for neuro-divergent people everywhere. John, with the devoted support of executive producer John Festervand, created a film that not only captures the essence of one of the most powerful voices of our time for animal welfare and autism, but is an emotionally inspiring experience to do our very best in all walks of life. The film is touching, real and a beautiful example of one person's willingness to be vulnerable and authentic in the face of a world which once institutionalized the autistic. John, a teacher at CSU, a working cinematographer and founder of Barnfly Productions (https://www.barnflyproductions.com)  shares the credit for the film's success with  his CSU student crew. Their professionalism matches that of other professionals with multiple years of experience, says John. In this insightful interview about a heavily-touted documentary, John shares his own learning experiences with Temple during production. Her 17th book, Visual Thinking - the Hidden Gifts of People Who Think In Pictures, Patterns and Abstractions, is featured throughout the film. This book and Temple's nudges encouraged John to look at his own perceptions about math and education differently.
Temple's life was portrayed in the 2010 movie. She was played by Clare Danes. John re-introduces Temple to the world in An Open Door and her vast wealth knowledge at age 78. A clip is featured in this interview. For further information and to request a screening and appearances, please go to Https://templegrandindocumentary.com.  For further information about John, his ongoing production slate and upcoming projects, contact him at

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