We examine the work of four disabled musical and film artists living with Cerebral Palsy and SMA (Spinal Muscle Atrophy) who are helping to lead the movement that is advocating for inclusion of more disabled artists in the music, film and entertainment industries. Their extraordinary talents are showcased for all to see.
Their advocacy work for disability inclusion leads them on a difficult path demanding more access for disabled creators. They use their creative gifts to make their statements and to move their work forward.
We showcase their talents and messages in this film produced and directed by disabled filmmaker Emmitt H Thrower.
A young adult (Brian) is visited by his brother, Jeremy, who needs a place to stay as he settles into his new city. The two polar opposite personalities begin to clash as Jeremy’s presence poses a threat to Brian’s way of life. Brian’s uptight personality and unreasonable living standards rub off on Jeremy, creating an incredible amount of tension. Bad blood, stemming from a traumatic past event reveals the shocking truth of the brothers’ current situations, as Brian struggles to differentiate between reality and his worst nightmares.
Director Statement I try to create powerful films that make the viewer feel a wide range of emotions and convey ideas that will linger in the viewers’ minds long after the credits roll.
Ever wonder what trees think of us, now that we’ve created a climate crisis? Watch this 3-minute film to find out. Bill McKibben calls We Trees “Short and elegant.”
Fantastic festival – the feedback was amazing in that it was detailed and intelligent. The reviewers really understood the bigger concepts and subtitles of the my film (Spot The Indifference). I was also delighted that it won Best Performances and I’m very proud for the actors involved. Thank you once again!!
Thanks, Toronto. You have been a rock in my quest to get my screenplays produced. Your input is intelligent and always helpful.
Very impressed with the quality of the feedback, thanks so much everyone!
FEEDBACK is unique in that creators are getting to hear from people who saw the film. Sometimes entering a film festival can feel like putting a message in a bottle and throwing it into the ocean — with FEEDBACK we actually find out what resonates with viewers. It’s so valuable, especially for comedy filmmakers! Highly recommended.
The Story of Marjan the Bunny, 3min., Slovenia Directed by Mitja Manjek Marjan the bunny was the first pet of little Mitja, which was named after his dad. One day boy found an empty cage and he didn’t know where the bunny had disappeared.
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The Nose Knows: Foreignness and Fortune in China, 23min., Singapore Directed by Bill Callahan, Kieran Hanson What can noses tell us Chinese identity, and the PRC’s increasingly important place in the world?
Arctic Polar Bear Mothers, 16min., USA Directed by Carol J. Amore Immerse yourself in the “Seasons of Life” of a heroic Polar Bear Mother who has to protect and provide for her hungry cubs everyday in the everchanging arctic weather extremes.
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This film is an investigation of movement within a natural landscape, of rich textures and textiles in motion, and of the mystery of ritual. It provides a window into a private world of a group of women, dancing together unselfconsciously among natural landscapes and dressed in lusciously colored textiles. Throughout the film, sugar cane is ripped, bitten, and swung about as a meditation on this indulgent substance—echoing themes of vice and virtue.
Elements is a solo choreography that is the intersection of nature, fashion, Venusian imagery, and movement. Elements is an exploration of dance/movement and the elements of nature, earth, sun, water and air. The natural influences and sounds of these elements merge with the art form of punking/whacking and fashion in the background of Västra Götaland’s scenic nature. The choreography is inspired by the concept of how nature imitates art and the interaction between movement, creativity, shapes, energy and sound. The exploration of the elements from a sensual perspective helps shape the movement, feel and flow of the choreography. This is also a tribute to women strength and physicality throughout all environments.
AGAPE is a short dance film loosely inspired by the film “If Beale Street Could Talk”. It takes us on a journey of Black love in everyday moments through movement. It is a letter to the potential hope of life and love.
Sometimes the most beautiful moments lie within the process. INTROSPECTION is a short dance film independently produced, choreographed, directed and performed by Katharine Larson. Choreography for this project was inspired by exploring the failures and successes of relationships. People will come and go, some stay longer, some may just pass by. INTROSPECTION takes us down a path of memory, real life struggles to fix something broken, and eventually leads us to looking deeper inside ourselves to learn more about our true essence.
We feel greatly honoured to have been selected by Crime/Film Festival and granted an award. The whole experience was awesome and the Festival Team is really fantastic. Thanks again for your consideration and support
Great Festival! I loved! The audience feedback is fantastic!
Very professional people at festival and understanding the nature of this kind of movies! Good style overall!
What a wonderful experience! The audience feedback was thoughtful and positive and the communication from the festival was top notch. The festival goes above and beyond in providing opportunities for exposure and promotion.
Great festival! Excellent feedback. I appreciate the good communication.
FAN LETTER, 15min., Belgium Directed by Zeb Daemen Set in the glamorous 1950s, Fan Letter follows Ricky, a renowned singer at the height of his fame. One evening, before another sold-out show, Ricky receives a letter from someone he thought was lost to time—his first love, whom he hasn’t heard from in years. Attached to the letter is a phone number.
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
The idea for Fan Letter started when I came across old images of Elvis reading fan mail. There was something captivating about those moments. This massive star, adored by millions, yet sitting alone with handwritten letters, connecting with fans in such a personal yet distant way. That led me down a rabbit hole, researching actual fan letters from the time, and what struck me was how deeply emotional and devoted they were. These young women poured their hearts into these letters, idolizing someone they’d never truly know.
At the same time, I’ve always been fascinated by the 1950s. The music, the culture, and especially how it was marketed almost exclusively to a young female audience. But beneath that glossy, dreamy surface, there was a much harsher reality, especially for artists. Around this time, I also watched the documentary on Tab Hunter, and his story really stuck with me, the pressures of fame, the sacrifices, and the hidden truths behind these carefully curated public images.
Once this idea took hold, it became my passion project. I kept thinking about what it would be like for an artist to look back at a life built on a bargain they couldn’t fully understand at the time, what they gained, but more importantly, what they lost. Ricky’s story grew from that, and I knew I had to tell it.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Really sweet! Nice to hear that people have a good reaction to the film.
