Taking over our Introducing… slot for Spring Screening Days 2022, this selection of films from Superfest, the longest-running disability film festival in the world, showcases amazing talent that is ripe for discovery by both disabled and non-disabled audiences.
From ableist Barbies to the healing power of snails, this fun, challenging and possibility-expanding programme will give you some inspiration to think about disability-led filmmaking in a new way.
The programme is introduced by Superfest’s Associate Director Emily Smith Beitiks, who will give insight into their programming process and how they reach disabled audiences and support disabled filmmakers.
To book a selection of these films as a Superfest showcase screening, or to enquire about other films available from Superfest, contact Emily Smith Beitiks. To book individual films from this programme, see filmmaker contacts below.
With many thanks to Superfest Disability Film Festival.
The films
What If?
Dir: Teresa Garratty | UK | 2020 | 10 mins
After a bad break-up, Jess focuses on rebuilding her life and her self-esteem. Dating someone new might help, but what if it all goes wrong? Only one way to find out.
Booking enquiries to Teresa Garratty.
My Grito
Dir: Cristian Rosas | US | 2018 | 5 mins
A story about a young man, Cristian, and his love for mariachi music, which leads him to seek out his own grito for his communication device.
Booking enquiries to Cristian Rosas.
ill, actually
Dir: Zoë Hunter Gordon | UK | 2019 | 12 mins
This short documentary explores the challenges of being young and chronically ill in a carefully curated online culture. A real life “superhero”, a YouTuber and a camgirl explain why they choose to share – or hide – important parts of who they are online.
Booking enquiries to Celestine Fraser.
Hamburger Airplane
Dir: Charlie Ainsworth | US | 2020 | 16 mins
A dramedy about a Deaf loner in his lake-condo as he takes on the challenge of grilling up the perfect hamburger and confronting his traumatic past, all while using witty, passionate ASL to persuade a trophy deer.
Booking enquiries to Charlie Ainsworth.
Wheelchair Wendy
Dir: Shaina Ghuraya | US | 2018 | 6 mins
An eager-to-please doll in a wheelchair is placed in the perfect world of the narcissistic Barbara and must find a way to fit in or get thrown in the trash.
Booking enquiries to Shaina Ghuraya.
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating
Dir: Elisabeth Tova Bailey | US | 2019 | 15 mins
When a woman is bedridden by a mysterious pathogen, a forest snail unexpectedly takes up residence on her nightstand. Together, the woman and snail share an intimate journey of survival and resilience. An intimate and surprising live action true story, adapted from the award-winning international nonfiction memoir of the same title.
Booking enquiries to Elisabeth Tova Bailey.
Sign Night
Dir: Cathy Mager | UK | 2020 | 6 mins
Inspired by the balcony performers of Wuhan and Lombardy during the 2020 pandemic, Sign Night is a poetic conversation between two star crossed lovers in British sign language, projected onto buildings in a rugged urban landscape.
Booking enquiries to Cathy Mager.
With many thanks to
