The Museum of disABILITY History is “dedicated to advancing the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities.” This is done in numerous ways, but one of the most effective means is through film. Film is such a powerful medium, which can be used to alter and sway people’s opinions within a short span of time.
Each year, the museum hosts a disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series, where curators showcase films that help to level the playing field for people of all walks of life, no matter the challenges that they face. One of the biggest challenges is being stereotyped. Throughout the history of humanity, people with disabilities have been looked at as different, but instead of appreciating the differences and taking the time to understand the differences, some people have taken the easy way out by poking fun at those who are different.
Esposito, an award-winning filmmaker, has autism and is a spokesperson who seeks to help the world accept people with disabilities as capable, seeing their disabilities as ‘diffabilities.’
On Saturday, June 17, a film titled Diffability Hollywood will be featured as part of the Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series. Produced by Espocinema and created by Adrian Esposito, Diffability Hollywood is a documentary that shines a spotlight on Hollywood’s portrayals of people with disabilities throughout cinematic history. Esposito, who hails from Rochester, will speak about Hollywood’s responsibility to portray people with disabilities in a more accurate light. At the same time, Esposito is advocating for the film industry to draw upon the talents of more writers, directors and actors with disabilities.
A portion of the footage was filmed at the Museum of disABILITY History and Curator Doug Platt is included in the film, providing insight on how characters with disabling conditions are portrayed in popular culture.
Diffability Hollywood features celebrities who have disabilities, actors and advocates, including: Edward Barbanell, Jamie Brewer, Chris Burke, Johnny Knoxville, Lauren Potter and Danny Woodburn.
Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker – Diffability Hollywood
Presented on Saturday, June 17, with two showings at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo
A reception with refreshments and a question and answer session will be held between screenings at 5 p.m.
Event tickets are $5 per person and for sale in advance at the Museum of disABILITY History, online at store.museumofdisability.org or at the Museum on the day of the event; limited space available. To purchase or reserve tickets by phone, call 716-629-3626.