Project overview
A short film programme curated by Wotever DIY Film Festival presenting an exciting selection of performative work by functionally diverse filmmakers exploring the intersections of queerness and disability. All films are captioned for D/deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences and are audio described for visually impaired audiences. The programme has been screened 3 times in London, Brighton, and Glasgow. Each event has featured additional access members for D/deaf and disabled audiences including BSL interpretation, large print, wheelchair access, comfy seating, and travel costs. The screenings also had additional content including performances and panel discussions.
Why the project matters
LGBTQ+ people who are D/deaf and/or disabled are doubly marginalised from society and mainstream film culture. They rarely have the chance to see themselves represented onscreen and often are unable to attend arts events due to lack of D/deaf and disabled access. It is therefore really important to put on events centring queer and disabled communities.
Aims
To attract D/deaf and disabled LGBTQ+ audiences, as well as their friends and allies, a group who often are not able to access film events. To build community, educate, and entertain through a provocative and empowering collection of short films screened with additional content including performances and discussion.
Headline results
Total audiences across 3 events throughout the UK of 225. 37% of audience members who filled out feedback forms identified as being limited a little or a lot by physical/mental health. 85% identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or preferred to self-describe. All audience members who filled out feedback forms stated they were Very Likely or Likely to attend events run by the host organisations again.
Films
- Just Me
Dir. Matthew Kennedy | 2014 UK - Venus
Dir. Faye Carr-Wilson | 2016 UK - Funny GIrl
Dir. Rosina Andreou | 2017 UK - Faggot girl gets busy in the bathroom
Dir. Krissy Mahan | 2016 USA - Hold Music
Dir. Michael McNeely | 2017 Canada - Bars
Dir. Christine Bylund | 2013 Sweden - Rick
Dir. Jan-Peter Horstmann | 2017 Germany - Sins Invalid: An Unashamed Claim to Beauty
Dir. Patty Berne | 2013 USA
See details of the tour on the QFN website.
Key partnerships
UNIQUE (monthly social group for LGBT people with disabilities in London)
Glasgow Disability Alliance – LGBTQIA+ Disabled People’s space
The Other Screen (monthly event dedicated to the discourse of the perception of people with disabilities and the Deaf community)
Budget
£2918.40
Learning outcomes
What worked
The participating organisations were able to provide relatively good access measures for D/deaf and disabled audiences, which received excellent feedback. The films and additional content also received great feedback with many audience members commenting how unique it was to have an event centred on D/deaf and disabled LGBTQ+ communities. We were able to engage well with community groups such as UNIQUE in London and Glasgow Disability Alliance’s LGBTQIA+ Disabled People’s group in Glasgow.
What didn’t work
We had hoped to achieve some national press coverage for the tour but struggled for the resources to achieve this.
What you’d do differently if you did it again
Use our marketing budget to employ a professional marketing freelancer from the outset to contribute to attracting bigger audiences and generating conversation around D/deaf and disabled LGBTQ+ experiences in media outlets.
Impact
Diversity
37% of audience members who filled out feedback forms identified as being limited a little or a lot by physical/mental health. 85% identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or preferred to self-describe. 21% stated they did not identify as male or female. 45% stated they are from a disadvantaged background. 38% were aged 30 or under and 16% were aged over 50. 19% identified as an ethnicity other than white.
The 9 panellists and performers who took part in the 3 events were all LGBTQ+ and disabled.
Knowledge & experience
The FAN and Queer Film Network member organisations which took part in the tour, Wotever DIY Film Festival (London), Fringe! Queer Film and Arts Fest (London), Eyes Wide Open (Brighton), and Scottish Queer International Film Festival, all had a chance to enhance their knowledge and experience of putting on events accessible to D/deaf and disabled audiences.
