RespectAbility Entertainment Professionals Lab, Summer 2020
Originally from the rural Midwest, Kiah Amara is an New York City based filmmaker, interdisciplinary artist, consultant and activist. Her work focuses on identity, fluidity, intersectionality, commonality, misconception and all things “deviant from normal.”
In 2018, they founded IndieVISIBLE Entertainment, a production group and artist collective empowering radicalized representation and intersectionality in media. Prioritizing the voices and stories of Queer Crip Womxn, projects are led by female and nonbinary, LGBTQ+ and neuro- and ability- diverse artists (Disabled, d/Deaf, Autistic, Limb Different, Chronically Ill, etc). IndieVISIBLE champions an accessible and welcoming process on and off camera, Sensory Friendly Sets, and utilizing varied mediums to share unique perspectives.
As a queer, chronically ill, and neurodiverse person with a need for ASL, Amara draws on interconnected experience yet leads with Allyship for Deaf and Disabled artistry and activism.
Films: The Vanished [Disability Film Challenge Winner, Best Awareness Campaign], Identity Pas De Deux, November Ninth, The Announcement, Acting With Cupid. New York Deaf Theatre, ActionPlay, Co/Lab, DANT, NYC Children’s Theatre.
LEARN MORE
After an extensive search and interview process, 30 individuals were invited to participate in RespectAbility’s Summer 2020 Lab for Entertainment Professionals. This 5-week, 15-session virtual summer Lab series for people interested in – and with experience in – development, production and post-production, including careers as writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, animators and other production roles, will take place June 16 – July 16, 2020. Participants include diverse people with physical, cognitive, sensory, mental health and other disabilities. Learn more: www.respectability.org/respectability-la-lab.
This program, which continues building the talent pipeline of young professionals with disabilities looking to work behind the scenes, is made possible with support by:
- Platinum Sponsors: Murray/Reese Foundation and The Walt Disney Company
- Gold Sponsors: Cast & Crew, Comcast NBCUniversal and Final Draft
- Silver Sponsors: Fox Corporation and Sony Pictures Entertainment