News

‘Love on the Spectrum’ Star Dani Bowman, ‘Bugonia’ Actor Aidan Delbis and More on Neurodivergent Representation in Hollywood
The inaugural Blu Star Film Festival’s keynote was a conversation centering on neurodivergent representation on film and TV.

Orange County’s First Ever Neurodivergent Film Festival
When Alex Astrella was diagnosed with autism at age two, his parents were told he wouldn’t be able to have a career. Today, the Dana

How this OC filmmaker created a neurodivergent film festival in Santa Ana
The Blu Star Film Festival will feature films from neurodivergent creators, Q&As with filmmakers and more.

How Alex Astrella Used His Autism Diagnosis to Ignite Change in the Film Industry
At just 2 years old, Alex Astrella was hit with a plot twist that would change his life forever. Doctors diagnosed him with Autism Spectrum Disorder, telling

Filmmaker Interview: Alex Astrella highlights the importance of inclusive parks in ‘Free Play’
“Free Play” is a documentary created by Alex Astrella that highlights how a mother’s perseverance in the face of adversity led to the creation of
![Alex Astrella [Left] stands with part of the cast of this thesis film, Free Play.](https://www.blustarproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/582A9211-Enhanced-NR-scaled-1-768x512.jpg)
Blending passions: how Vanderbilt alumnus Alex Astrella merges film and therapy to advocate for the neurodiverse community
At age two Alex Astrella, MEd’23, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. His parents were told that he had little chance of graduating high school
Articles
In The Media
Blu Star directed commercial for Autism Speaks in association with CLICKON
College Autisn Network Video, Blu Star Directed and Produced
Anderson Autism Center Podcast with Alex Astrella
Blu Star Productions CBS Interview
Alex Astrella on Breaking the Biz Podcast
Alex Astrella speaks at Autism In Entertainment's first Creators Community Meeting
Alex Astrella on Autism Rocks And Rolls Podcast