An HBO documentary about an Icelandic mother’s search for treatment for her autistic son was made possible by support from Actavis Group.

The critically acclaimed documentary, A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism (formerly The Sunshine Boy or "Sólskinsdrengur" in the original Icelandic version), aired on US television in April and was narrated by Academy Award winning actress Kate Winslet.

The documentary is the story of Margret Dagmar Ericsdottir’s journey to explore the best research and treatments to help her son, Keli, who suffers from a severe form of autism.

A Mother’s Courage debuted internationally at the Toronto Film Festival last September. It was directed by the Icelander Fridrik Thor Fridriksson, who was nominated for an Oscar for his work on Children of Nature.

Variety described the documentary as “extraordinarily beautiful.”

A press release issued by the producers summarises the story behind this documentary:
“Consumed by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge about this mysterious and complex condition, Margret travels from her home in Iceland to the United States and Europe, meeting scientists and other experts, as well as other families touched by autism. Along the way, she discovers new techniques that could offer a promising future for children with autism, including her son.

“After the family returns home, Margret says: ‘Before, we used to talk about Keli in front of him, but now we talk to him.’ With new hope for the future, she adds, ‘I can start to get to know my own child.’”

Actavis has been working with Dagmar Ericsdottir and her family since 2006, when they approached the Company about sponsorship.

Actavis’ assistance enabled the documentary to be produced, released in Icelandic cinemas, and distributed globally, finally attracting Winslet’s interest in the project.

The documentary was aired on American cable network HBO on 2 April 2010, International Autism Awareness Day.