ARC represents Stockton in first UK Disability Film Festival
Wednesday, November 17, 2010 ARC represents Stockton in first UK Disability Film Festival
DASH (Disability Arts in Shropshire) in Shrewsbury will be leading the 1st UK Disability Film Festival Day 2010 on 3 December 2010 which coincides with International Day of Disabled People. This fantastic event will take place simultaneously in venues across the country on Friday 3rd December 2010, with ARC hosting films for the Teesside area.
With a selection of films including those from Oska Bright, the first national screening of the UKFC funded disability short film project Magic Hour, the classic BBC film Raspberry Ripple (1986) and Leicester Cripples Guild, it will be the UK’s only festival of filmic work produced by individuals with learning disabilities.
Amongst the scheduled films, ARC audiences will also get another chance to see Full Circle’s film Is Toto Dead? which premiered at ARC in February this year. The short film is based loosely on the story of The Wizard of Oz and has been devised and scripted by the actors all of whom have learning difficulties. ARC’s Community Arts and Education Officer, Jenni Owen said “ARC are really pleased to be able to be part of the first ever national film festival which raises awareness of the value of disability arts.”
The ensemble of nine adults have seen their confidence grow during their time working with ARC, both for their performance and in everyday life.
Jenni went on to express her appreciation for the festival, “We would like to see this event grow as ARC works very closely engaging adults with learning disabilities in meaningful activity. Through the Full Circle project, the participants involved with this are given the opportunity to showcase their work within this amazing event.”
Dr Paul A. Darke, the Festival’s curator and director said: ‘it is an exciting time for disability filmmakers. We are privileged to be able to deliver the Festival across the UK. This is the first time such a Festival has taken place and we hope it will become an annual event.’
The UK Disability Film Festival takes place at ARC on 3 Dec starting at 11.30am with screenings throughout the day. Tickets are free and can be booked from ARC Box Office on 01642 525199. For more info about the festival programme visit www.disabilityfilmfestival.eu or DASH’s website www.dasharts.org