The Chronicle News is honored to spotlight the inspiring story of a young woman who is breaking barriers and touching lives worldwide. We invite you to watch the premiere of the short documentary Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World, a moving 24-minute film showcasing the incredible journey of Makayla Renee Cain. This extraordinary non-verbal teenager’s story will debut internationally on Netflix on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
Makayla, who turned 17 on December 4, 2024, has faced profound challenges since her birth. In the heartwarming short documentary, Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World, we are introduced to a remarkable young girl whose spirit and determination defy all expectations. Makayla, a black teenage girl, has spent her life grappling with a rare form of autism that renders her essentially nonverbal. However, her parents, filled with unwavering belief in their daughter's potential, embarked on a transformative journey to discover the true depth of Makayla's inner world. Directed by Julio Palacio, the film runs for 25 minutes.
In the heartwarming short documentary, Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World, we are introduced to a remarkable young girl whose spirit and determination defy all expectations. Makayla, a black teenage girl, has spent her life grappling with a rare form of autism that rendered her essentially nonverbal. However, her parents (father, Grammy-award winning producer Needlz and business owner mother, Mañana), filled with unwavering belief in their daughter's potential, embarked on a transformative journey to discover the true depth of Makayla's inner world. Directed by: Julio Palacio Time: 25 Minutes
Diagnosed with autism and unable to speak, her world began to transform at age 14 when she learned to spell using an ABC Letter Board. This simple yet powerful tool unlocked her ability to communicate her thoughts and emotions, opening the door to remarkable progress in her social and intellectual development.
Her parents, Khari "Needlz" Cain and Manana Cain, have walked this journey alongside Makayla every step of the way. While Khari is a Grammy-winning music producer, known for his work with artists like Drake, Bruno Mars, and Cardi B, he and Manana have faced the everyday realities of raising a non-verbal child with grace and determination. Together, they have tirelessly sought specialized therapies, clinicians, and resources to ensure that Makayla—and all non-verbal children—have access to tools that unlock their potential. Their joint effort reflects an unwavering commitment to their daughter’s growth and wellbeing.
Courtesy Photo-Khari Cain
This shared dedication led to the creation of Makayla’s Voice, a foundation devoted to empowering non-verbal communicators and their families. With a mission to provide safe, supportive spaces and resources, the foundation offers therapeutic programs, grants, and community outreach initiatives. Central to its mission is promoting letter boarding as a transformative tool for communication. Through its Atlanta-based center, the foundation works to improve the lives of children and young adults under 22, helping them connect meaningfully with the world.
Courtesy Photo - The Center represents a step forward in creating meaningful change. The Center is being developed to serve Atlanta’s communities of color by offering clinical workshops, therapeutic programs, and educational resources. Additionally, a virtual experience will extend these opportunities, helping communities understand and address the impacts of autism.
Makayla’s remarkable journey captured the attention of award-winning filmmaker Julio Palacio, who worked closely with her parents to produce this heartfelt documentary. Supported by her siblings, Amani and Nasir, and guided by the unwavering dedication of both her parents, Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World has become a powerful testament to love, resilience, and advocacy. The documentary has already earned top honors at prestigious festivals such as the Atlanta Film Festival, Slamdance Film Festival, and the New York Tribeca Film Festival. It is also on track to contend for an Academy Award nomination in March 2025.
Makayla, a 15-year-old with autism, is non-verbal and was initially believed to face intellectual challenges. However, at the age of 14, it was discovered that she possesses extraordinary intellectual abilities. Using "Letter Boarding" for the first time at 14, Makayla began communicating with her family, including her mother, Manana, her father, Khari, her sister, Amani, and her brother, Nasir. Makayla aspires to be a strong advocate for children with autism, using her experiences to inspire and uplift others. Her smile is a source of profound emotion, evoking a range of feelings in everyone around her. These heartfelt moments are captured in When Makayla Smiles, a book that offers a glimpse into the transformative power of her journey and the joy she brings to those who know her.
Adding another layer to Makayla’s story is her grandmother, Dr. Maxine Hankins Cain, who offers a deeply personal perspective in her book, When Makayla Smiles. Originally drafted years ago and recently reimagined, the book chronicles Makayla’s transformation from a girl once thought to be intellectually limited to a brilliant advocate for children with autism. Dr. Cain reflects on the profound emotions Makayla’s smile evokes, inviting readers to share in the joy and hope of her journey.
As Makayla’s story continues to inspire and break barriers, we encourage you to witness her incredible journey firsthand. Watch Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World on Netflix beginning December 11, 2024, and learn more about the foundation’s work at MakaylasVoice.com.
Join us in celebrating this extraordinary family and their shared mission to amplify the voices of those once thought to be silent. Together, Khari and Manana Cain, alongside Makayla, are proving that every voice holds immense power, and with love and determination, even the quietest among us can change the world. Don’t miss this life-changing documentary—Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World promises to uplift, inspire, and leave an indelible mark on your heart.
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