Austin.YNN.com

Austin / Round Rock / San Marcos

Change region

  74º

10/13/2010 02:12 PM

Film festival spotlights disability in cinema

By: Alana Rocha

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.


A different kind of film festival is coming to town that strives to highlight positive and accurate portrayals of disability in cinema. The Cinema Touching Disability festival kicks off Thursday.

Films in the event celebrate both actors and filmmakers with disabilities. William Greer with the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities said the festival brings awareness to something that is often pushed aside.

"It helps us get in touch with an audience we don't normally communicate with," he said. "It's set out to raise awareness and improve people's perceptions."

Born with Cerebral Palsy, Brandon Rummel had trouble with people understanding him. He started making films when he was just 14 years old. At 17, he continues his filmmaking as a senior at Westlake High School.

Brandon said he is excited to be in the audience for this year's festival.

"I think it's good. You think it's good," he said. “It's a good, universal way to help us all see the world in a different way.”

The event kicks off Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Goodwill Community Center. Showings on Friday and Saturday will be at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar.

News 8’s Victor Diaz will be judging entries at this year's festival.