Educational Media Reviews Online

Is There Anybody Out There is a feature-length documentary that explores living with a disability in a culture of ableism from the perspective of the film’s director, Ella Bee Glendining.

This compelling documentary provides insight into the daily lived experience of a young woman, who was born without hip joints, as she reflects on her self-image, mobility, family dynamics, identity, and journey to meet others with similar bodies. Through a thoughtful blend of family home videos, casual self-recorded video, and old and new documentary footage, the film captures the holistic experience of a person living with a physical disability and how they experience society.

The film urges viewers to challenge commonly held cultural assumptions that people with disabilities should, without question, undergo treatments and expensive surgeries despite associated physical pain, health risks, and psychological distress they may cause or exacerbate. By sharing her story and the stories of others experiencing similar conditions, Glendining makes a convincing argument that these beliefs are symptomatic of an ableist culture and that if society wants to support people with disabilities, efforts should be made to more fully know them as individuals, understand their needs from their perspectives, and design accommodations that promote equity and justice.

Is There Anybody Out There explores living with disabilities primarily from the perspectives of individuals with congenital limb differences and secondarily with autism. The film is ideal for all college and adult audiences interested in rights for people with disabilities and healthcare ethics.

Awards:
Silver Horn Social Issues Award, Krakow FF 2023; FIPRESCI Award, Krakow FF 2023; Bring The Change Award - Arca di Noè, Biografilm Festival 2023

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