Disability Film Festival begins on June 6

The National Film Theatre is working in conjunction with London Disability Arts Forum (LDAF) to present ‘Lifting the Lid!: Disability Film Festival’.
The festival is running from 6-9 June and showcases the work of disabled filmmakers who present different representations of disabled people in film. The films explore issues faced by disabled people such as identity, social barriers and discrimination. London Disability Arts Forum has been supported by the Lloyds TSB Foundation which donated £7,500 as well as, London Arts, Channel 4 and the National Film Theatre.
Over 20 films will be shown throughout the festival. At the end, there will be a screening of the most popular films as voted for by audiences. Each day of the festival will include a panel discussion focusing on key issues for disabled people in film such as education, media presentation, and what the future holds for disabled people working in television.
John Aldridge, Greater London Regional Manager for the Lloyds TSB Foundation, said: “The Lloyds TSB Foundation is committed to working with grass-roots charities which enable people, especially disabled and disadvantaged people, to play a fuller role in their communities, such as the London Disability Arts Forum.
"I am delighted that the Foundation has been able to support the project and enable it to further its work.”
Caglar Kimyoncu, a film and new media development worker with London Disability Arts Forum, said: “The festival aims to raise the profile of disabled filmmakers, showcase their work and provide a lively forum for issues such as identity, aesthetics, access, integration, training and opportunities.”
In 2002m the Lloyds TSB Foundations received £36 million to distribute to registered charities throughout the UK, including £2 million to charities in Greater London.
The film festival starts on Thursday June 6, beginning at 10pm, at the Film Café, National Film Theatre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London.
The National Film Theatre, www.bfi.org.uk
(GMcG)