Meet three artists from the National accessArts Centre's Film Ensemble

Think of the last movie or TV show you watched — was descriptive audio available? Did it feature a person living with a disability in a positive narrative? 

At the National accessArts Centre (NaAC), filmmakers are incorporating inclusion and accessibility from a project's beginning to end — and encouraging mainstream film and media to follow their lead.

NaAC is a non-profit organization that provides training, creation, exhibition, and presentation opportunities for artists with disabilities. In 2022, NaAC launched a film and media department where filmmaking is customized to fit the needs of the individual, and advocates for inclusion at all levels of production, presentation, and critical dialogue.

Watch

Meet three members of the Film Ensemble: Jody Lynn Roll, Paul Brain, and Kathy M. Austin. They share about their experiences in the program, their art practices, and how NaAC supports them as artists.

Event: On April 4, short films from the Film Ensemble are screening at Contemporary Calgary (tickets and details below).

Jody Lynn Roll: 'I have Down syndrome, and I think that's awesome'

12 months ago

Duration 4:12

Jody Lynn Roll is an artist whose work has won awards and toured in California. Through the National accessArts Centre's Film Ensemble program, she's had films screened at festivals like Sled Island and Artifact. For Jody, film is a medium through which she can express herself and showcase the beauty of people with disabilities.

Paul Brain: 'Why not me, why not now?'

12 months ago

Duration 4:04

Paul Brain describes his art journey as starting the day of his brain surgery in 2021. Since then, the contemporary artist has received grants and had his work shown locally and internationally. A member of National accessArts Centre's Film Ensemble, Paul views the program as an opportunity to collaborate with other artists, and advance disability art in the film industry.

Kathy M. Austin: 'I'm a blind artist with many abilities'

12 months ago

Duration 4:15

Writing, photography, visual arts, and dance are just a few of the disciplines in which Kathy M. Austin is accomplished. Now, as a member of the National accessArts Centre's Film Ensemble, she uses film to share her own stories and educate on blindness — with entertainment and humour.

Event details

Be among the first to see the premiere of short films by NaAC artists, using Super 8mm film and uniquely created soundtracks. After the screening, engage in a discussion with talented local filmmakers who are preserving the legacy of film in Calgary through their captivating moving image art. 

Thursday, April 4
7:00 PM
Contemporary Calgary Dome Theatre
Reserve your free ticket

This screening will be part of Contemporary Calgary's Free First Thursday event.