“IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE is a personal documentary following my search to track down other individuals with the same rare disability as me, never having seen anyone else with a body like my own. The film also explores the experience of being a disabled pregnant woman as well as the emotional process of becoming a mother, when I unexpectedly find out I am pregnant. Perhaps more than anything however, this story is about ableism – about living in a world where you’re seen as less than human – and what it takes to love yourself fiercely despite this.” Filmmaker Ella Glendining on IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE which screens at SxSW Film & TV Festival.
Welcome to SxSW 2023! Are you attending your screenings in person?
Thank you! No, unfortunately not. I really want to come, but I have been away from my young son too much lately, so I have to make some sacrifices. I am thrilled though that some of the wonderful participants from my documentary will be attending, and will also be participating in Q and As.
How did this whole project come together?
With help from many amazing collaborators! In the very early days of its conception, the film was going to be less about me. I was always interested in exploring the experience of being disabled in an ableist society / looking very unusual, but that’s about all I knew. Then I found out I was unexpectedly pregnant, and my producer Janine Marmot told me, ‘This is brilliant for the film!’ Gradually the story became more and more personal. The film would not be what it is without producer Janine, cinematographer Annemarie Lean-Vercoe, editor Rachel Roberts, composer Erland Cooper, consultant editor Claire Ferguson and execs, including Lisa-Marie Russo and other amazing people.
While working on a project, what is your creative process? Do you have any particular ritual or tradition when working on something?
I like to listen to music and jump on my mini trampoline when I am having a break! It keeps me feeling inspired and my adrenaline pumping.
If you had one favourite moment out of this entire project, the “Yes, this is IT” moment, what would that be?
“Bye-bye, Gorgeous.” This is a quote from the film, which you’ll have to watch to understand…
I love to get technical, so I would love to know about the visual design of the movie from the cameras you used and the formats and your relation to the cinematographer.
I don’t love to get technical myself. My cinematographer Annemarie Lean-Vercoe is such a blessing to this world and to the world of cinematography! She is exceptionally talented, intuitive, and experienced. She’s become a very good friend. I shot video diaries myself on a phone, and the film also includes some beautiful home video footage shot by my dad when I was a child. Cameras are not my thing, despite being so obsessed with and committed to filmmaking, so collaboration and finding the right person to work with was key, which I absolutely did with Annemarie.
What are you looking forward to the most about showing your project at SxSW 2023?
I am just so thrilled and honoured IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE? will be screening at SxSW, and it feels especially poignant as much of it was shot in Austin. I am most looking forward to it being seen, and to hear how the experience is for the participants who are attending. I hope they get much glory!
Where is this going next? More festivals or a theatrical or streaming release?
There are a bunch of other festivals we’ve been accepted into, including CPH:DOX, which I am particularly excited about. I really want a theatrical release and we are on the lookout for distributors.
How do you feel about the current moviegoing climate? Are you wishing more people to see movies in theatres, or is it okay to opt for a streaming release where more people could potentially see a movie?
I love and am passionate about cinemas, but equally think it’s amazing that people who can’t get out of the house much – e.g. some disabled people – are able to access new films at home.
What is the one thing that you would say to someone who is looking to get into movies, even now in such a changing world?
Probably obviously things – to study on a practical film course, apply for schemes to make shorts, collaborate and network, stick to your gut. Those are the things that seem to be working for me!
And final question: what is the greatest movie you have ever seen at a film festival and why?
I saw Alison O’Daniel’s THE TUBA THIEVES at Sundance this year, and it blew me away. An amazing disabled filmmaker making work from a place of actually knowing what she’s talking about. Stunning film!
This film and many others like it will be showing at South By Southwest taking place March 10-19. For more information point your browser to www.sxsw.com!