Exploring Synesthesia Through Film with Nicola Rose
Download MP3Hosts Paul Cruz and Gino Akbari sit down with filmmaker Nicola Rose—an accomplished director, producer, and writer—to discuss her new feature film Magnetosphere.
The film follows 13-year-old Maggie as she navigates her first crush, a big family move, and her unique way of experiencing the world through synesthesia, all set against the backdrop of the magical Hale-Bopp comet in 1997. With a cast including Colin Mochrie, Patrick McKenna, Debra McGrath, Tara Strong, Steven He, and breakout star Shayelin Martin, Magnetosphere brings neurodivergence to life in a visually stunning, heartfelt way.
Nicola shares her inspiration for the story, her process of authentically representing synesthesia on screen by interviewing over 70 synesthetes, and the challenges of making an independent film that is both magical and deeply human.
Memorable Quotes
- “The way to be authentic is ask people—‘what did you experience?’—and then bring that truth to screen.” – Nicola Rose
- “Synesthesia became a metaphor for feeling out of sync, which so many of us experience.” – Nicola Rose
- “Being kind is the most important lesson filmmaking has taught me.” – Nicola Rose
Resources & Links
Watch the Magnetosphere trailer: http://freestyledigitalmedia.tv/film/magnetosphere
Stream Magnetosphere now on Amazon Prime & Apple TV
Nicola’s Substack: nicolarosedirects.substack.com
Nicola on Instagram: @nicolarosedirects
Magnetosphere on Instagram: @magnetospheremovie
Magnetosphere on Facebook: Magnetosphere — Movie
Watch the Magnetosphere trailer: http://freestyledigitalmedia.tv/film/magnetosphere
Stream Magnetosphere now on Amazon Prime & Apple TV
Nicola’s Substack: nicolarosedirects.substack.com
Nicola on Instagram: @nicolarosedirects
Magnetosphere on Instagram: @magnetospheremovie
Magnetosphere on Facebook: Magnetosphere — Movie
- Learn more about the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast: www.neurodiversityvoices.com
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Chapters
00:00 Exploring Synesthesia: The Inspiration Behind Magnetosphere
11:01 The Significance of 1997: A Nostalgic Backdrop
15:51 Maggie's Emotional Journey: Character Development and Authenticity
20:07 Visual and Auditory Storytelling: Capturing Maggie's World
23:05 Relationships and Understanding: Maggie's Connections
24:52 Synesthesia as a Metaphor: Broader Themes of Connection
25:29 Understanding Neurodiversity and Personal Experiences
28:52 The Impact of Personal Background on Storytelling
32:17 Challenges in Independent Filmmaking
36:17 Audience Reception and Critical Feedback
40:12 Lessons Learned from Making Magnetosphere
41:09 Advice for Aspiring Neurodivergent Creators
45:17 Engagement and Community Building
Disclaimer:
The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.
Creators and Guests
Host
Gino Akbari
He is a global citizen with a passion for understanding the human experience. Having lived across multiple cultures and worked in a wide range of industries—from military training to acting, politics, and entrepreneurship—Gino has developed a deep appreciation for how people think, behave, and thrive within their environments. With over 12 years of experience training military personnel, he brings discipline, adaptability, and leadership into every space he enters. A multilingual speaker and lifelong learner, Gino’s journey has also led him to the performing arts, where he owns a dance company and embraces movement as a form of expression and connection. Today, Gino is a certified life coach with credentials across various disciplines. His mission is simple yet powerful: to explore what it means to live a truly full life—and to guide others on their own paths of growth, purpose, and continuous self-improvement.
