By Travis Johnson
The 64th Sydney Film Festival, in partnership with Screen NSW and the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, today announced the launch of Screenability, a showcase of six works by filmmakers with disabilities.
Two features will screen – My Name is Emily, by Simon Fitzmorris, and Pulse, by Stevie Cruz-Martin – along with the documentary, Lust for Sight, by Manuel von Stürler, and three short films: Drumming is Like Thunder, by Alyz Dyncan; Struck, by Aurora Fearnley; and Milky Pop Kid, by Johanna Garvin.
Daniel Monks, the writer and star of Pulse, and Manuël von Stürler will appear as guests of the festival and will be participating in a discussion panel and workshop courtesy of the Australian Film Radio and Television School.
Screenability Programmer Sofya Gollan said, “Screenability is an international program showcasing films by filmmakers with disability from France, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. These titles offer gripping insights and unique perspectives, with creatives with disability leading the narrative. The programming of films for Screenability has been an exciting process, revealing a depth of talent and professionalism, as well as startling, provocative, and authentic cinema.
“The stories range from the viewpoint of an artist losing his most vital sense, to the experience of a queer teen with disability in a body-swapping sci-fi, and a tale of teenage love told by a filmmaker immobilised by motor neurone disease. These films, made by those with lived experience of disability, are boldly breathing new life into storytelling.”
In addition, Gollan will present a free discussion during the festival entitled Bluffer’s Guide to Cinema, which looks at the stories that filmmakers with disabilities are creating around the world.
The Sydney Film Festival runs from June 7 – 18, 2017. For full info and tickets, head to the official site.
