“Waters at Desert”: Alba Valéria’s Documentary Gives a Voice to Mothers of Autistic Children and Encourages Reflection on Inclusion

The documentary is scheduled for release in July 2027 in Rio de Janeiro and aims to raise public awareness of the challenges faced by families of autistic children.

Prejudice, social exclusion, and the lack of support networks for mothers of autistic children are the central themes of “Waters in the Desert” (Águas no Deserto), a documentary conceived and produced by Alba Valéria de Oliveira Corrêa Garcia, a Brazilian artist, educational mediator, singer, and writer. The film is scheduled for release in July 2027 in Rio de Janeiro.

The project was inspired by Alba’s experiences throughout her career in education and by her encounters with mothers of autistic children who shared stories of isolation, emotional exhaustion, and difficulties in ensuring that their children had opportunities to participate in social activities.

Among the accounts that moved her most were those of mothers who stopped receiving invitations to birthday parties after their children were diagnosed with autism. These stories reveal how misinformation and prejudice can deprive children of important childhood experiences while deepening the isolation experienced by their families.

More than portraying difficulties, the documentary seeks to inspire empathy, promote understanding, and encourage meaningful actions toward inclusion. Its purpose is to show that respect for differences begins in everyday relationships, through interactions among children, greater awareness among families, and the creation of more welcoming environments.

Alba’s journey is closely connected to education and the promotion of human dignity. Born in Itaperuna, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, she walked approximately five kilometers each day to attend school during her childhood. Throughout her professional career, she worked in public education and as an educational mediator, experiences that strengthened her commitment to social transformation. She is currently in the eighth semester of her undergraduate degree in Social Work.

As a singer and writer, Alba is also the author of the book and song Águas no Deserto (Waters in the Desert). The title symbolizes the hope that emerges even in difficult times and reflects the message she wishes to share with audiences through audiovisual storytelling.

With its release scheduled for July 2027 in Rio de Janeiro, the documentary aims to expand public dialogue about autism, atypical motherhood, inclusion, and support networks, bringing visibility to families whose stories deserve to be heard and acknowledged.

“Waters at Desert” conveys an essential message: no child should be excluded for being different, and no mother should have to face the challenges of motherhood alone. The film seeks to transform real-life experiences into an invitation to reflection, respect, and the building of a more compassionate and inclusive society.