For 12 years, Easterseals has been presenting the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. And for the last five years, Great Falls filmmaker Jenniffer Robinson has been participating.
WATCH:
“It's a requirement that each team that submits a film must have at least one disabled person in front of or behind the camera at all times,” said Robinson.
Robinson, who is blind, has once again teamed up with Chandra Schesschy and Satin Larance and others to produce “Code Red: Operation Lighthouse”, a thriller with a satirical feel about two influencers out to discredit a commercial about a disabled community.
“During this they end up being infiltrated by an undetermined source. And so, they spend their time trying to keep their broadcast going while running from the antagonist,” said Robinson.
Each year the Easterseals organization picks a genre and this year the theme is thrillers and suspense films.
Jennifer says the film’s message is sometimes the enemy is complacency and the best way to battle back is through awareness.
You can watch their entry - called "Code Red: Operation Lighthouse" - right here:
“It’s about just educating yourself, getting out and volunteering in groups such as Disability Rights Montana, getting out there and talking to your legislators and lawmakers and telling them what it is you need and why you need it,” said Robinson.
With well over 100 films submitted nationwide, viewers have through April 21 to cast votes for their favorites. Films can be viewed on the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge YouTube channel and Facebook page and Jennifer’s team’s work can be seen on the Krydragon Productions YouTube channel.
Jennifer feels the film industry is more welcoming to people with disabilities, both in front of and behind the camera.
She may be blind, but has a vision to share.
“I would definitely say for disabled people to get out there, if you want to do art or whatever it is you want to do, get out there and do what you love,” said Robinson. “And above all, don't let anybody tell you that you can't.”
