Ruth Madeley, Laurie Davison, Alice Lowe, Esther Smith
This marvellous short film from British filmmaker David Proud (Sympathy for the Lemon, Alarm) was originally released as part of Verve Pictures’ The Uncertain Kingdom earlier this year, and garnered significant acclaim in wider reviews of the programme (including in The Guardian, Time Out and BBC Front Row). A wry, authentic look at the film and TV industry and its attitude to ableism and inclusion, Verisimilitude has screened at film festivals worldwide.
A fantastic Ruth Madeley (BBC/HBO’s Years and Years) stars as Bella, a frustrated, unemployed disabled actress who is fed up of all the disabled roles going to able bodied actors. When she gets a job, it’s as an advisor to a spoilt up-and-coming British film star (Laurie Davidson) advising him how to perform disability for his latest role – which might just win him a BAFTA.
An actor, writer and producer, Proud was the first lead regular disabled cast member of BBC’s Eastenders. He has published The Art of Disability, about disability representation in the media, and works as a consultant for improving diversity across the industry.
Verisimilitude will be available to watch on our platform throughout Virtual Screening Days. We encourage everyone to watch it, but especially those selected to attend the ‘Seven principles for an inclusive recovery in your cinema’ session to give added context to the issues discussed.