Superfest: Disability Film Festival embraces diversity on screen
by: Milly Ferreira I 10/23/24
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The big screen featured sponsors and shows the festival's logo.
A spotlight in the community
A spotlight in the community
On Saturday, Oct.19th, Superfest , the Disability Film Festival took place at the Exploratorium , located at Pier 15 in San Francisco. This annual event features films produced, directed, and starring disabled individuals. The tickets were offered on a sliding scale, allowing those who might not be able to afford them to attend the event.
Accessible and inclusive
Accessible and inclusive
ASL interpreter and captions simultaneously, as well as audio description.
The entrance and exit to the Kanbar Forum.
There were two screening sessions featuring short films, and they were shown at the Kanbar Forum, which is located inside the Exploratorium.
The event had excellent accessibility, including ASL interpreters and audio-descriptive services.
Highlighting successful stories
Highlighting successful stories
The event was well attended and had great accommodations for people with disabilities.
One of the featured films, “Friendly Signs,” is based on a true story and highlights Tommy Wickerd's efforts to start a sign language class inside San Quentin State Prison. He started a sign language class that welcomed anyone willing to learn, aiming to make San Quentin a more inclusive environment for deaf individuals.
Rahsaan Thomas, the producer and director of the film, is a hearing close friend of Tommy's and was deeply inspired by the story. Together, they worked to bring the film to life.
"Until Tommy introduced me to the deaf community, I didn’t know they existed, I was in prison and part of the invisible population, and they were invisible within that population. I didn't realize how much harder their lives were," Rahsaan said.
San Quentin has now graduated two ASL classes and is 60 times more inclusive.
Supporting small film production
Supporting small film production
There were lots of signs spread out, showing the guests where to check in.
The main entrance was located on the sidewalk, near the gift shops.
You can find “Friendly Signs” and all the other films screened at the festival here . By supporting these filmmakers, you are not only helping to amplify their voices but also contributing to a more inclusive and empathetic society. So, mark your calendars and make sure to attend the next Disability Film Festival for an unforgettable experience.
Key words: Disability, film, festival, Exploratorium, Superfest, deaf
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