Portland Film Festival 2021

Voices of Ability - Shorts Block

Expired November 9, 2021 7:45 AM
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15 films in package
Archaic Intergalactic Extraterrestrials
Have aliens been visiting Earth and changing the course of human history for the better? Or are they part of a bigger plot to clean the entire solar system using a universal janitorial job squad of humans?
Couples Therapy
An eccentric therapist introduces three estranged couples to her unorthodox talk therapy techniques. Can she make or break their love? Shot fully accessible to our cast & crew, the majority identifying as disable. COUPLES THERAPY may just blow your mind!
Extra Special
When promised a tribute in his honor on the St. Louis Walk of Fame, aspiring actor/model Andy Arias leaves his hometown of sunny LA to accept the award in person.
Lights Out and Away We Go
An introverted teenager must take matters into his own hands when his overanxious mother, determined to give him the time of his life, makes him watch the first Grand Prix of Zandvoort with her when all he wants is some peace and quiet.
So You Wanna Be an Actor
When an acting coach with a prosthetic leg teaches a young girl with the same disability, glass ceilings are shattered, insecurities are revealed, and internalized ableism gets squashed like a battered trophy.
SUPERHEROES
In a world where every disabled person has a superhero, a new discovery challenges the fate of the world as we know it!
The Roommates
A woman regrets creating a translator for her roommate, who happens to be a smart-mouthed emotional support dog.
The Best Show In Town
Over the course of nine months, a theater troupe of 50+ actors, all with special challenges and abilities work to put together one of the most engaging theater performances you will ever see. Witness the transformation of these passionate actors as they gain confidence through the stage, and give a new perspective to what it means to live with a disability.
Breaking Cody
Cody, a disabled drug dealer with Cerebral Palsy, attempts the biggest drug deal of his life on his birthday. Will he succeed? Or will his disabilities prevail?
Dwarfo-psychosis
Pat and Pete Bianco are fraternal twins who live and care for their grandmother. On their 40th birthday Pat decides it's time to tell Pat the truth.
Social Fitness
After the end of COVID quarantine, an antisocial teacher finds herself teaching others how to reenter society as they struggle with wearing pants, dating, and more.
The Home Office (The Making of Cartoon HQ)
Every office has politics, romance, performance evaluations and HR, but it’s just a little different in an animation studio run by cartoon characters during the pandemic and work from home.
Diamond in the Rough
It's 1922, the prohibition on candy is in full force and everyone is craving the sweet stuff. But it's up to Detective Brown to solve his latest case when Mr. Cane and the flapper girls find something unexpected at the local speakeasy.
6,000 Waiting
Disability doesn't hold us back. The state won't either.
Crippled
A quadriplegic motivational speaker gives inspirational speeches about happiness while grappling with his physical disability and mental health.
This virtual screening is eligible for audience awards! Unlock it to cast your vote.

Their love is strong & their love is "perfect", but is Dr. Mel either of those? We’ll let you be the judge of that. Often, most couples-- regardless of their age, ability or ethnicity-- can often struggle to communicate when learning to live with their partner’s new energy. What happens when the mask of “perfection” Dr. Mel thrives beneath is unveiled? ...Do we really need to know this much about our therapist’s emotional life?

  • Year
    2021
  • Runtime
    5 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    Unites States
  • Rating
    PG
  • Note
    Our film packs a comedic-sucker-punch with our on-camera talent. Featuring: Steve Way (“Ramy” & stand up comedian), Imani Barbarin (writer, activist & #disabledtiktok superstar), Jaleesa Graham (“Project Runway”, model), Lee Cleaveland (of “Lee Cleaveland & The Lefthand Band”--who wrote the original music that was featured in “COUPLES THERAPY”) among many many more!
  • Director
    Melanie Waldman
  • Screenwriter
    Samantha Mannis
  • Producer
    Associate Producer Samantha Mannis
  • Executive Producer
    Melanie Rivera Waldman
  • Cast
    Melanie Rivera Waldman - Dr. Mel, Imani Barbarin - Zelda, Colin Buckingham - Jeffrey, Jaleesa Graham - Selena, Steve Way -Arnold, Sarah Beth Budd - Esther, Lee Cleaveland - Peter
  • Cinematographer
    Aaron Palmer
  • Editor
    Krystal Alexandria
  • Composer
    Lee Cleaveland & The Lefthand Band
  • Music
    Lee Cleaveland & The Lefthand Band
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