For Immediate Release
Friday, 11 February 2011
An inspirational film called 'Don’t Dis Me I’m Able', made by young disabled people from across Norfolk, will premier at Cinema City in Norwich this February 18th at 3pm.
The screening follows a launch event in Westminster last month when the group travelled to London to show their film to politicians, disability groups and celebrities.
"I travelled to Westminster for the premiere of a new film about disability by a talented group of disabled young people from the Norfolk Youth Forum. With the great title 'Don't dis me I'm able', the film challenges and seeks to change how society sees disability. It tells the inspirational stories of young disabled people in Norfolk, showing some of the struggles they face and what they would like to see in the future.
Using film to change attitudes about disability is a great way to get the message across. I'm sure this film will have a lasting impact on those who had the privilege to attend."
Dr Maggie Atkinson, Children's Commissioner for England
The film is a celebration of disability and includes interviews with some very famous faces from politics, sport, entertainment and the media. - David Blunkett MP, Ade Adepitan, Cerrie Burnell, Tanni Grey Thompson, Peter White and Mat Fraser.
The young people have been working on the film for the past six months after securing £20,000 in ’Mediabox’ funding for the project. It’s an exploration of the lives and aspirations of their disabled heroes mixed with inspirational stories and insight into their own lives. With a desire to be seen simply as normal, the young filmmakers contrast the lives of the famous with their own hopes and dreams.
The filmmakers are all part of the Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People’s Youth Forum. The group, which has been running for just over a year is designed to help members with confidence and independence by giving them control of everything the group does. Film is used by the group as a powerful way of having a voice and the ‘Mediabox’ grant has enabled them to travel around the country interviewing some of their disabled heroes. The project has equipped them all with skills in filmmaking, research, animation and marketing and distribution.
The group want disability to be seen as a normal part of life, not something to feel sorry about. They don’t want to be patronised, just to be seen as young people with ambition and a desire to achieve the same things as everyone else.
ENDS
Notes
The Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People Youth Forum is for any young disabled person in Norfolk aged 14-25.
More information regarding the Youth Forum is available at www.ncodp.org.uk/youth-forum
TV/Radio: interviews are available at the screening with Caroline Golding (07884 438187), Robert Vaughan (07791 121742) and members of the forum.
Robert Vaughan and Caroline Golding are also available for media interviews in addition to the launch and can be contacted directly on 07884 438187.
Picture Editors: Pictures available at the launch
Mediabox enables young people to create media projects and get their voices heard. It has given disadvantaged 13-19 year olds, and up to 25 if they have learning difficulties or disabilities, living in England the opportunity to create media projects about issues that matter to them, from film and journalism to digital media and campaigns.
Cinema City is located at St Andrew's Street, Norwich NR2 4AD
This press release can be found along with previous releases at www.ncodp.org.uk/press-releases.
For further information regarding this news item please contact Caroline Golding via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 01508 491218
###
The Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People (NCODP) is a human-rights group controlled by disabled people and their organisations. They organise and take part in campaigns and run services that promote social equality and dignity for all disabled people.
The NCODP regards having an impairment as a normal part of being human. Disability results from people with impairments being excluded by physical and social barriers and negative attitudes. Their main task is to challenge the many forms of discrimination created by these barriers and attitudes.
The NCODP believes that disabled people must take the leading role in decisions that affect their lives both locally and as part of the national and international disability movements in which the NCODP plays an active part. There must be "Nothing about us without us."
###