CSU’s new Temple Grandin film explores autism, animal welfare

A new documentary film, An Open Door, is set to highlight the influential life and groundbreaking work of Temple Grandin, a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, autism advocate, and internationally recognized leader in animal welfare.

The film, produced in partnership with CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences, will be released on August 12 via streaming platforms including Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and Kanopy.

Grandin is well-known for her pioneering role in designing humane livestock handling systems, many of which are now standard in the global meat industry. Her insights are deeply informed by her autism and her unique visual thinking, which allow her to understand animal behavior in ways that have transformed the industry.

“Who would have ever predicted that an autistic woman would come along and transform how we handle our animals?” said Janet Riley, a longtime colleague. “She’s a rock star.”

The documentary, directed by award-winning filmmaker and CSU alumnus John Barnhardt, has already been accepted into 72 film festivals and has earned 27 awards across nine countries. Barnhardt says the film aims to highlight not just Grandin’s achievements, but the broader message of perseverance and empathy.

“The film shows us how Temple has worked so that autism would not define her,” Barnhardt said. “It also reinforces the importance of being a kind person. Be kind to the person next to you because it just might be the next Temple Grandin.”

Ten CSU students worked on the film in roles ranging from editing to production. Among them was Jacob Faulkner, who shifted his academic focus from computer science to journalism and media communication after working on the documentary. Ella Peters, another student contributor, landed a job in film production shortly after graduation, crediting her experience on the project.

“It was such a blast,” said Faulkner. “Working with Temple was such an inspiration.”

“It was an incredible experience,” added Peters. “I fell in love with it.”

The film also explores Grandin’s advocacy for neurodiverse individuals, particularly in encouraging meaningful employment and skill-building for youth with autism. She emphasizes the need to give individuals opportunities that align with their interests.

“I want to see these kids get out there and be successful,” Grandin says in the film. “Let’s show what autistic people can do.”

Doors, both literal and symbolic, are a recurring theme. Grandin notes that the opportunity to succeed often comes when others are willing to “open a door.”

Grandin joined CSU in 1990, where she has taught classes and mentored graduate students in animal science and welfare. Her work led to the creation of the Temple Grandin Equine Center, with locations in Fort Collins and at CSU Spur in Denver. The center supports therapy, research, and student training in equine-assisted services.

Grandin credits her early experiences with horses for helping her connect with animals and find her path.

“Horses saved me,” she says in the film, recalling her time working in a barn at the private high school she attended.

Her designs and audit systems have since been adopted by global meatpackers and suppliers, including those serving major brands like McDonald’s.

“From the very beginning, we loved her passion and expertise,” said Bob Langert, former VP of sustainability at McDonald’s, in the documentary. “We trusted 100 percent that she would have the best interests of the animals, the suppliers, and even the McDonald’s business.”

“Temple shows us that it’s not only important but necessary that we have different minds solving our global problems,” Executive producer John Festervand, director of development in CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences said.

Grandin, now 77, hopes the documentary will inspire viewers across the autism and agriculture communities.

“Now that I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the most important things are the things I do — that I help do something real to make something better,” she said. “I want to open doors for other people now.”

»Related: Grandin is among USA TODAY’s 2025 Women of the Year