Showcasing some of the leading talents among disabled artists and film-makers from around the world, the 6th annual Disability Film Festival returned to London's National Film Theatre last December, and what a show! Indeed, some of the films and animations that were shown did not focus especially on disability as their main issue.
Such views are indicative of a wider ignorance that can make it even harder for survivors to work in the industry with some people discriminated against if their health history becomes known.
Many of the films could be seen as a positive response to these skewed and damaging views. In this, film-makers with disabilities do bring a distinction to their work, a genuine understanding of the issues involved. That people may categorize such pieces as only minority 'disability' films highlights the narrow-focused, discriminatory appreciations that these artists fight against.
Several engaging shorts stood out as examples against this: This French short, "Handicap", brilliantly directed by Lewis-Martin Soucy, is an amusing riff on a steamy sofa seduction. The beguiling Natacha tempts Mike with cosily candle-lit champagne and strawberries, turning up the heat as she starts to talk dirty. Thing is, Natacha's deaf - so her male translator nonchalantly interprets for her from across the room, much to Mike's shock and unease. Genuinely funny, the film is a serious deliberation on relationships and supported living, communicating and listening.
Such views are indicative of a wider ignorance that can make it even harder for survivors to work in the industry with some people discriminated against if their health history becomes known.
Many of the films could be seen as a positive response to these skewed and damaging views. In this, film-makers with disabilities do bring a distinction to their work, a genuine understanding of the issues involved. That people may categorize such pieces as only minority 'disability' films highlights the narrow-focused, discriminatory appreciations that these artists fight against.
Several engaging shorts stood out as examples against this: This French short, "Handicap", brilliantly directed by Lewis-Martin Soucy, is an amusing riff on a steamy sofa seduction. The beguiling Natacha tempts Mike with cosily candle-lit champagne and strawberries, turning up the heat as she starts to talk dirty. Thing is, Natacha's deaf - so her male translator nonchalantly interprets for her from across the room, much to Mike's shock and unease. Genuinely funny, the film is a serious deliberation on relationships and supported living, communicating and listening.