It’s rare to find a film like Please Stand By, a coming-of-age story about a creative autistic female. It’s even rarer to discover so many people behind the film who care about shining a positive light on autism…People like Manda Mosher.
Manda is a singer/songwriter and her latest single ‘Cold Cold Love’ is featured in the film. It comes at a pivotal moment when Wendy, played by Dakota Fanning, is at her lowest point. She’s stranded by a bus driver, has her money stolen with only enough left to buy some candy, and the convenience store attendant tries to con her out of her remaining change. The song plays—a ‘troubled, reckless love gone wrong’ song—and it helps us to emotionally connect with and root for Wendy as she finds her strength and independence in a world that can be cruel. A world that doesn’t understand or accept her differences.
“When I found out about the autism storyline and that Dakota Fanning and Toni Collette were attached, I knew the film would have more depth and social importance than much of what you see being produced for entertainment,” said Manda.
“I feel the film framed Dakota’s character in a universally relatable way giving an opportunity for people who are not as closely touched by autism to think about how life could feel through that lens. The vibe of “Cold Cold Love’ coincides well with Dakota’s character being down on her luck.”
Manda is friends with families who have loved ones on the spectrum. She knows how important it is to advocate for the best educational, nurturing and loving environments.
“Acceptance, understanding, and love are key.”
As an artist herself, Manda empathizes with the challenges autistic individuals face when trying to embark on their own creative careers. In the film, Wendy wants to enter her script into a Star Trek competition and nothing will stop her until she does. But, what she’s really longing for, and can’t express, is to be seen and recognized for her abilities.
In real life, Manda is stepping forward to help empower creative autistic individuals and give them a chance to be recognized for their work. Manda is donating all proceeds from her single and is currently running a fundraising campaign on Facebook to support Geek Club Books programs. 100% of the funds she raises will go directly towards paying autistic contributors for their work.
‘Cold Cold Love’ marks Manda’s debut release on Blackbird Records, a significant milestone for her career and a joint venture between her and music supervisor and record label executive Eric Craig. His credits include the award-winning “Moonlight,” “Stranger Things,” and “Lady Bird.”
Join us in getting fired up about Manda Mosher, her single, and her commitment to supporting autistic talent. We hope she inspires others to stand up and invest in autistic representation in creative fields.
Listen to ‘Cold Cold Love’
To make a donation or find more info, go to:
- Buy the single on iTunes
- Buy on Google Play
- Manda Mosher’s Fundraiser on Facebook
- Manda Mosher Music on Facebook
- @MandaMosher
- Manda Mosher on Instagram
If you liked this post, you may also like:
- Screenwriter Michael Colamco Gets to the Heart of ‘Please Stand By’
- 5 Ways “A Boy Called Po” Helps #Activate4Autism Acceptance
Images of Manda by Star Sargent. Please Stand By image courtesy of Magnolia Pictures
What a wonderful story, beautiful song and Amazing organization!! Cheers!!!
Thank you!!