Reviews and Festivals
"An impressive directorial debut that asks more questions than it
answers (my favorite kind of film) and tells a story that hasn't been
told...What does it mean that parents can assign full custody to people
and to practices they don't know all that well? And that years later the
child may find the courage to say: that was traumatic? That didn't
really help? Leslie Koren tells her own story, and talks to other former
classmates. In doing so, the filmmaker illuminates a world where
privilege and care and healing are relative, and in the eye of the
beholder."
— Jennie Livingston, Director, Paris is Burning
"Recommended. Would be appropriate for higher level social science courses, especially those relating to child psychology, sociology and behavior modification... Perceptive, poignant, and would be a welcome addition to college level curriculum."
— Educational Media Reviews Online
"Suggested for education and psychology students to raise awareness about mental health treatment procedures and to elicit discussions about the merits and negative aspects of isolating teens in such settings... Recommended."
— Video Librarian
"An excellent film, and for my students especially, I think could prove helpful in their learning about how to have difficult conversations."
— Dr. Christine Velez, Professor, Department of Social Work, University of Vermont
"We are extremely honored to screen such an incredible film and inspiring story at our festival. Thank you for creating such a raw and heartfelt piece of work and keeping independent film alive and well."
— Nevada City Film Festival
"This film has universal meaning for anyone who has been touched by mental illness...and for anyone who wants to make a difference or see change come about with how we deal with our vulnerable populations."
— Post-Gazette
"Now Return Us to Normal is a kind of personal, poetic road movie, interested in the journey even if the destination is somewhat unclear."
— The Film Stage
"When adjectives fail, there is art. I feel humbled and conquered by this courageous, honest, brutal compassionate film."
— Catharine Evans, Deputy Director, Collections and Curatorial Strategies, The Newark Museum of Art
SCREENED AT
Doc Salon Film Series
WINNER
Nevada City Film Festival, Audience Award
Alternative Film Festival, Best Documentary
OFFICIAL SELECTION
Alternative Film Festival
Nevada City Film Festival
Three Rivers Film Festival
Video Consortium
Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival
Skyline Indie Film Fest
Buffalo International Film Festival