Recently, "Beyond Disability: The Fe Fe Stories," a 25-minute film that opens the door into the lives of young women with disabilities, was chosen to receive an Achievement Award and a Spirit Award at the 25th SuperFest, a disability-film festival based in Berkeley, CA.
The Empowered Fe Fes is a support group within Access Living, Chicago’s only center for independent living. Staffed and governed by a majority of people with disabilities, Access Living is a cross-disability organization, nationally recognized as a leader in the field of independent living.
SuperFest, an annual two-day showcase of juried films, videos, television shows and DVDs in June, is the primary international showcase for cutting –edge films that portray disability culture in all its diverse, complex, and empowering facets.
Produced in a partnership between Beyondmedia Education and Empowered Fe Fes, a peer group that explores women’s issues within the context of disability, Beyond Disability features poignant commentary and interviews about being young, female and disabled.
"The film takes an honest picture of disability," said Dawn Ramsey, a member of the Empowered Fe Fes and a key participant in the production of "Beyond Disability." "Society often presents an inaccurate portrait of disability that results in misguided stereotypes. We want to break down disability as an experience that we can identify with and be proud of."
"When Beyondmedia put technology in the hands of the Fe Fes, the girls who had been overcome with shyness or lack of language skills suddenly discovered new ways to express themselves," said Susan Nussbaum, co-founder of the Fe Fes. "Disabled girls are never presented with these kinds of opportunities. Beyondmedia gave them a challenge, and they rose to it."
Awarded by judges at SuperFest, the Spirit Award, considered one of the most prestigious awards of the festival, is given each year to a strong film that has a person with a disability involved with the production in a significant role.
For more information, contact Gary Arnold of Access Living at (312) 253-7000, ext. 199 (voice), (312) 253-7002 (TTY), or garnold@accessliving.org.
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