en_US English
en_US English fr_FR French

Multidisciplinary

Films telling the lives and experiences of artists with disabilities in different fields.

This page gives a list of movies ordered alphabetically. Each title gives the name and year of release. This list is non-exhaustive. Let us know if you think of any missing reference that you feel should be added.

ARTS: Possibilities, Disabilities & The Arts (2009)

Poster of the movie representing the word ARTS written in white on a black background, surrounded with colourful paint spots.

Painting, drawing, writing, music, drama and other forms of arts are expressed beautifully by and through individuals with disabilities in Keri Bower’s new film, ARTS. Sharing the power of the arts used to improve social, emotional, cognitive, expressive, and life skills in individuals with challenges is at the heart of this glimpse into pure talent demonstrated by people with disabilities.

Available format: none

Language: English

Closed captions: n/a

Audio description: n/a

More details about the movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1807897/

CinemAbility: The Art of Inclusion (2012)

Poster of the movie representing a man using a wheelchair seen from the back, and a ray of light in the middle with smaller pictures of three white women, two white men and a black man.

An investigation into the way media portrayals impact the actual inclusion of people with disabilities in society.

Available format: none

Language: English

Closed captions: n/a

Audio description: n/a

More details about the movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1723128/

Crip Camp (2020)

Poster of the movie representing a picture of a young bare-chested black man standing with a guitar on his shoulder, holding one of the handles of the wheelchair in which a white young man with a white t-shirt is sitting. They are surrounded by wooden barracks and trees.

Down the road from Woodstock, a revolution blossomed at a ramshackle summer camp for teenagers with disabilities, transforming their lives and igniting a landmark movement.

Available format: online

Language: English, French, others

Closed captions: Yes

Audio description: Yes

Link to watch the movie (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/search?q=crip%20camp&jbv=81001496

More details about the movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8923484/

Disability Arts International Resources

Logo of the British Council in black and white, under which the words "Disability Arts International" and "Resources" are displayed.

Variety of movies featuring artists with disabilities in the Resources section of the Disability Arts International website developed and coordinated by the British Council, the UK’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities.

Available format: online

Language: English

Closed captions: Yes

Audio description: No

Link to the movies: https://www.disabilityartsinternational.org/resources/?_sft_resource=films

Generation A: Portraits of Autism and the Arts (2014)

Poster of the movie showing a colourful painting of an abstract character. Dominant colours are yellow and green.

Autism: Disability or Gift? “Generation A: Portraits of Autism and the Arts” is a powerful depiction of the daily challenges faced by young people on the autism spectrum, and what creative therapies and art programs are available to stimulate the brain and help young people on the autism spectrum reach their highest potential.

Available format: online

Language: English

Closed captions: Yes

Audio description: No

Link to watch the movie (Tubi TV): https://tubitv.com/movies/521515/generation-a-portraits-of-autism-and-the-arts

More details about the movie: https://www.passionriver.com/generation-a.html

Lost and Sound (2012)

Poster of the movie showing multiple white lines forming a brain. The background is black with white spots that could represent stars.

This intimate and uplifting feature-length documentary follows pianist Holly, music critic Nick and dancer Emily as they journey to rediscover music after hearing loss.

Available format: none

Language: English

Closed captions: n/a

Audio description: n/a

Link to the movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2241311/

See What I’m Saying: The Deaf Entertainers Documentary (2009)

Poster of the movie divided into four parts showing pictures of a black man on the top left, two white men at the top right and bottom left, and a white woman at the bottom left. It looks like they are performing.

This inspirational documentary follows four deaf entertainers: a comic, drummer, actor and a singer as they attempt to cross over to mainstream audiences. These uniquely talented entertainers overcome great challenges to celebrate success.

Available format: online

Language: English, French

Closed captions: Yes

Audio description: Yes

Link to watch the movie (Tubi TV): https://tubitv.com/movies/579605/see-what-i-m-saying-the-deaf-entertainers-documentary

More details about the movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1125387/

SHAMELESS: The ART of Disability (2006)

Poster of the movie representing three white women and two white men in a blue wooden frame, each one shown on a blue wooden wave.

Art, activism and disability are the starting point for what unfolds as a funny and intimate portrait of five individuals while they create and then present their self-representations. As we get to know each of these remarkable people driven by a passion for art and transformation, the everyday complexities and unexpected richness of life with a disability are exposed.

Available format: online

Language: English

Closed captions: Yes

Audio description: No

Link to watch the movie (Amazon Prime): https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0OZ2TZH7TC17R0G17SSMGNTH57/

More details about the movie: https://www.nfb.ca/film/shameless_the_art_of_disability-edu/

The National Disability Arts Collection and Archive

Logo of NDAC National Disability Arts Collection and Archive written in white characters on black background, under which the words "Home" and "The films" are displayed.

The National Disability Arts Collection and Archive has collected oral histories from the voices who shaped the Disability Arts Movement. These are some of the people who told us the stories of their fights to remove barriers, gain civil rights and make great artworks within an inclusive disability culture.

Available format: online

Language: English

Closed captions: Yes

Audio description: No

Link to watch the movies: https://the-ndaca.org/the-films/

Vision Portraits (2019)

Poster of the movie showing an unrecognizable face in a place with no lights except for blurry white, red and yellow spots in the back.

An in-depth exploration of the creative paths of blind and visually impaired artists including a photographer, dancer, writer and filmmaker.

Available format: online

Language: English

Closed captions: Yes

Audio description: No

Link to watch the movie (Kanopy): https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/10306087

More details about the movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9617506/

Vital Signs: Crip Culture Talks Back (1995)

Picture of a white woman with short hair wearing a stripped blue costume, raising her left foot.

This documentary looks at disability as an issue as well as disabled performance artists. If nothing else, it’s a chance to see activists and theorists like Harlan Hahn (who sports a Piss on Pity T-shirt) and Ann Finger, as well as artists and performers like Cheryl Marie Wade, Eli Clare (who was still Elizabeth when this film was made) and Mary Duffy and hear their views and anecdotal stories of discrimination and oppression.

Available format: online

Language: English

Closed captions: Yes

Audio description: No

More details about the movie and link to watch (YouTube): https://carlwhetham.photo.blog/2016/12/10/vital-signs-crip-culture-talks-back/