Welcome to this list of films & disabilities
This site presents a detailed list of over 2,500 feature films which involve in one way or another various disabilities. It is directed towards teachers, students and anyone who has an interest in how disability is represented in films.
Films are listed in categories and Major and Minor films. Each film is either reviewed or includes a summary and links to further information.
Any suggestions, reviews etc. will be greatly appreciated.
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The Key of G is
a professionally produced documentary about a 22 year old man called
Gannet. He is severely disabled both mentally and physically. He
has a condition called Mowat-Wilson syndrome. The consequences of this
is that Gannet has limited understanding and cannot speak. His
movements are awkward and unco-ordinated yet he can walk with
assistance, he can carry objects but cannot do something which requires
more skill like shaving. At the beginning of the film he is living with
his mother who says he has developed from a young boy who lived
entirely in his own world to being able to reach out to others. The
film is about his transition from his mother's home to living with
friends who will care for him. However his mother talks over early home
movies of Gannet's growing up.To my mind the type of disability Gannet has is the most difficult for others to cope with. The majority of people will stare and pass by. The majority of people will never have any kind of encounter with a person like Gannet. People like Gannet are not usually in main stream schooling. This is the importance of a film like The Key of G. It is a starter for understanding someone who in reality you could never, as a stranger, engage in casual conversation. I have a friend who after a motorbike accident was brain damaged and can speak only with difficulty. Most people don't have the patience to allow him time to get his words out. He is robbed of the spontaneity of communicaton. That alone is a huge loss.
One should also note that his carers are exceptional people. They take on a role for which only a parent would normally have the commitment.
The film is 58 minutes long and has the usual DVD features. It is available from the link above.
The
Gillian Film is a moving portrait of an exceptional young woman who
works at a local veterinary clinic, rides horses, takes dance
classes, and is developmentally disabled. When Gillian decides to
move out of the house, her mother must come to terms with letting
go. www.thegillianfilm.com
A blog which features a documentary about a young man with Down's Syndrome.
http://dandrinker.blogspot.com/
Hopewell Chin'ono writes: "I
made a documentary film on HIV and Aids in Zimbabwe.
You can see it on
www.youtube.com/tvnews2000 "
