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We will be screening a series of short films centered around the themes of disability and intersectionality. Closed captioning will be available for all films.
Classic Dany (2018 Bio-Documentary, 9 mins)
Dany is a college student who struggles with ADHD Inattentive Type her entire life. Classic Dany is a story about how Asian American families, particularly Vietnamese American, view mental disorders. Inattentive type is the most underdiagnosed because the symptoms aren’t as disruptive. Thus, Classic Dany aims to create discussions specifically about this type. Disclaimer from the filmmaker: “Having ADHD myself, this is how I experience it. By no means is this short film a generalization on how every single person with ADHD feels”. Written, produced, edited and directed by Theone Ly. Cinematography by Alan Chung. Original music by Lloyd Ea and Khue Bui.
Contamination (Drama, 2015; 23 mins)
This short narrative film tells the story of an African American woman named Jade who suffers from severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD has made her a shut-in and her anxiety has increased so greatly that just to open her door she must wear a surgical mask and gloves for protection. Jade washes her hands constantly. She counts to six each time she does anything. Despite the concern of her aunt, Jade continues to deny help for her illness. Jade considers the possibility of a life beyond fear of contamination when she meets her past. Written and directed by R. Shanea Williams and produced by Anthony J. Davis.
Crooked Beauty (2010 Documentary, 30 mins)
This is a poetic documentary that chronicles artist-activist Jacks McNamara’s transformative journey from childhood abuse to psych ward inpatient to co-founder of the pioneering peer support mental health network, The Icarus Project. It is an intimate portrait of her intense personal quest to live with courage and dignity, and a powerful critique of standard psychiatric treatments. Poignant testimonials connect the fissures and fault lines of human nature to the unstable topography and mercurial weather patterns of the San Francisco Bay Area. Directed by Ken Paul Rosenthal. Original music score and sound design by Monteith Mccollum. Additional music by Bonfire Madigan Shive.
The Things You Think I’m Thinking (2017 Docu-drama; 15 mins)
Actor Prince Amponsah was caught in an apartment fire in 2012, and took years to recover after burns covered over half his body and both arms were amputated. Amponsah returned to acting four years later, and LaVercombe’s script — which is loosely based on the writer’s first encounter with Amponsah — is a lovely tribute to the process of recovery and how difficult it was to return to some semblance of a full life after such a life-altering accident. A warmly empathetic romantic drama about learning to open up to another person in a vulnerable situation and offering compassion to someone just when they need it the most. Directed by Sherren Lee and written by Jesse LaVercombe.
Everywoman (Documentary, 6 mins)
Maysoon Zaid says she needs a sense of humour. She is a woman, she’s Muslim, she has cerebral palsy, and she is a Palestinian living in New Jersey. She is also considered one of the most successful young comedians of her generation. [no film credit info available]
Feeling Through (Docu-drama, 18:25 mins)
In this Oscar-nominated film, Tereek — a young man trying hard not to reveal his lack of a home — is desperately looking for a bed for the night, texting friends in hopes that he can crash with them. But just when something comes through, he finds himself helping out Artie, a deaf-blind man waiting for a bus home. The encounter is anything but straightforward, not only due to their differences in abilities but also their different temperaments and ages. But as Tereek helps Artie navigate a ride home, he learns to see the world through another perspective beyond his own — and broadening his horizons in the process. Based on a true story and featuring the first DeafBlind actor to star in a film, Robert Tarango. Directed by Doug Roland.
Unsound (Docu-drama, 2013, 9:12 mins)
A short film follows a mother’s battle with Schizophrenia and son’s struggle to get her the help she needs. Based on a true story. Written and Directed by Darious Britt.