A new documentary gathers a host of stars to discuss the portrayal of disability in Hollywood productions.
Hollywood has been dominated by talk of inclusion and diversity in recent years, but while things are improving for women and people of colour in the film industry, the disabled still feel under-represented, with able-bodied stars continuing to appropriate their stories.
Jenni Gold is the first wheelchair using female to join the Director's Guild. With her documentary, CinemAbility, Gold tells the evolving story of disability on screen, from the silent era to today. Interviewed for the doc are a host of stars who have famously portrayed disabled characters, including Ben Affleck, Jamie Foxx, Marlee Matlin and Gary Sinise.
CinemAbility releases on VOD October 5th from Leomark Studios.
The official synopsis reads:
From Director Jenni Gold, the 1st wheelchair using female in the Director’s Guild, and released to coincide with October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month, CinemAbility reveals a compelling and often amusing look at the history of disability portrayals in entertainment. From the early days of silent films to present-day Hollywood blockbusters, this historic film takes a detailed look at the evolution of “disability” in entertainment over the last 120 years by going behind the scenes to interview celebrities, filmmakers, and studio executives.
With heart and humor, CinemAbility: The Art of Inclusion utilizes clips from Hollywood’s most beloved motion pictures and television programs to shine a light on how the media impacts society and the monumental effect these portrayals have on inclusion.