DISABILITY FILM FESTIVAL 2024

The DISABILITY FILM FESTIVAL’s mission is to explore innovative strategies that promote inclusivity in classrooms, communities, workplaces, and other settings and to lift up human-centered stories of inclusivity through juried programming of top-tier films from around the world.

The festival aims to increase awareness about the human-centered successes achieved when creating inclusive environments in education, communities, and workplaces. The films in this year’s lineup serve as a springboard for discussion, advocacy, and change, particularly in relation to inclusive education.

PART I 

CHICKEN | Lucy McNulty + Emma Pollard | 14 MIN

When Sam splits up with her partner, she is forced to move back into her childhood home with her mother and neurodivergent brother. When depression sinks in, her brother Emmett gets in her face trying to cheer her up and in doing so makes everything worse. But when Emmett is confronted with a situation at a baseball game where he is called a chicken, Sam rises to the challenge to come to his aid and is reminded of what is truly important.

TURN UP THE BASS | Ted Evans | 12 MIN

TURN UP THE BASS tells the remarkable and little-known story of Troi Lee, aka DJ Chinaman, the unstoppable force behind the UK’s deaf music and rave scene.

DIAGNONSENSE | Samuel Dore | 27 MIN

DIAGNONSENSE is a drama set in 1996 at t a psychiatric hospital where deaf social worker Louise meets Patrick, a deaf patient who has been kept there for 36 years and wrongly diagnosed as schizophrenic by Dr. Nicholson. Louise has to fight discriminatory attitudes to get an institutionalized Patrick to appeal against his diagnosis to get him released. Still, he has to recall his painful memories of the events that led to his incarnation.

THE HIP HOPS | Sandra Vivas | 4 MIN

A story of disability and inclusion from the point of view of a child based on the filmmaker’s own life.

THESE ARE THE SOUNDS I MAKE | Andy Bambach + Suzanne Whiteman | 8 MIN

Simi, a young woman with disabilities, communicates in many different ways, from making sounds and gestures to using conversation cards and new technologies. She enjoys getting out into nature, dancing, creating art, connecting with friends, and being involved in decisions that affect her.

AMEI TE VER | Ricardo Garcia | 19 MIN

A deaf boy falls in love with a blind girl. Now, he must find a way to communicate as he discovers the world surrounding her.

PART II 

HOW DO YOU SEE ME | Todd Robertson | 9 MIN

Why do people with intellectual disabilities live 13 to 20 years less than others? Through the eyes of a young woman who sees her disability as a distinct advantage, this film explores the profound effects of societal views on their lives. Dive into the impact of societal perceptions while exploring paths towards a more equitable future.

BREAKING NORMAL | Jessica Cabot | 6 MIN

BREAKING NORMAL was made for the 2024 Disability Film Challenge. The film stars two neurodivergent actors, autistic actress Tal Anderson as Kitty and comedian Anthony Purnell, who lives with ADHD, as Mask.

AFTER HEATHER | Clint Butler | 22 MIN

The life journey of a Canadian dancer before and after acquiring a severe traumatic brain injury. Based on the book Little Feet: The Story of Heather Williams.