One of the strongest docs to come out of SxSW is IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE, about this truly amazing woman who could. I am happy to hear the strong reactions from other festival goers I met this week, making me very happy to hear that people have been seeing it and spreading the word.
ABOUT: My body is extremely unusual, and I’ve never seen another like my own. “Is There Anybody Out There?” is a personal documentary following my search to track down other individuals with the same rare disability as me. 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.
JASON’S REACTION: A deeply touching and personal documentary that is a powerful commentary on self-discovery, Emma’s research into finding if anyone else with her rare disability exists out there in the world absolutely works as Emma is a deeply interesting, lovable, beautiful and positive subject, and a great inspiration to us all. This doc will work well for those with disabilities but also anyone wanting to support. Though I thought it would start off as something basic the subtle but effective use of personal clips both new and old absolutely won me over, it has a realistic and accepting end to its story, and I hope we can still follow Emma down the road to see her journey unfold.
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!