2024 Short Film Competition

20th annual Cinema Touching Disability FIlm Festival, October 20-21, 2023, 6:30 - 10 pm, Rollins Theater

2024 Short Film Competition

Thank you to our 2024 Short Film Competition volunteer judges!

Winners: Documentary Division

Film poster for Stoop Stories, with a young woman and older man sit laughing together on concrete steps. Film poster for Turn Up the Bass, a DJ leans over a mixing board with pink and blue designs behind him. Film poster for Colorful Souls, an empty, wall-lined tiled street with a mountain in the background.

First, second, and third place documentary winners will be announced at the film festival on Friday, September 27th.

Stoop Chat with Jimmy and Shanaya
Dir. Marj Kleinman, Gabriella Canal, United States
“Stoop Chat with Jimmy & Shanaya” follows the unlikely friendship of blind Brooklyn poet, “Harmonica Jimmy,” and his younger neighbor, Shanaya, as they forge an uplifting bond based on their love of poetry, music, and the things that make New York, New York. Learn more about the Stoop Stories project on their website, or follow the project on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @Stoop.Stories.

Turn Up The Bass
Dir. Ted Evans, United Kingdom
'Turn Up The Bass' tells the remarkable and little-known story of Troi Lee, aka DJ Chinaman, the unstoppable force behind the UK's deaf music and rave scene. 20 years of archive footage is interwoven with interviews and actuality, charting Troi's evolution from underground raver to festival headliner. Hackney-born Troi has dedicated his career to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for deaf artists and performers, challenging misconceptions and fighting prejudice to show that deaf people can also enjoy, experience and make music. The film joins Troi as he puts on his 20 year anniversary show in London - showcasing deaf and disabled dancers, MCs, rappers and sign singers. Through heavy bass and deep vibrations, he connects audiences through the universal language of music. Follow the project on its website or follow the production company on Instagram @GaloreProductions.

Colorful Souls
Dir. Abby Cannon, United States
"Colorful Souls" spotlights Alma de Colores, a unique restaurant and store that predominantly employs individuals with disabilities, providing them with a sense of dignity and community through the opportunity to work. Learn more about the Actuality Abroad project that sends impact-driven storytellers around the world on their website, Instagram, or Facebook.

Winners: Non-Documentary Division

Film poster for We're Too Good for This, a group of teens, some with visible disabilities, peer out from behind a wall. Film Poster for Mo <3 Kyra, a woman with a huge smile and zebra print blazer, surrounded by pink and orange designs. Film poster for Existing Patient, half close up profile of a smiling woman and title of the film, imitating a pharmaceutical drug ad.

First, second, and third place non-documentary winners will be announced at the film festival on Saturday, September 28th.

We're Too Good For This
Dir. Missy Malek, United Kingdom
A group of deaf and disabled friends decide to get into drug-dealing as payback against a bully.

Mo<3Kyra
Dir. Debbie Hannan, United Kingdom
Comedy set during a high school prom about a girl's last chance to let the girl of her dreams know how she feels about her. 

Existing Patient
Dir. Aaron Abolt, United States
A chronically ill woman fights to get her medication approved, encountering endless phone trees, unhelpful representatives, and stock photo families along her journey through healthcare bureaucracy.

< 2023 Competition