Rentals
Disabled Britain on Film
From a rare portrait of the first spokesperson of the UK disability rights movement to a reimagining of becoming blind, this selection of mainly fictional films covers a range of representations of being disabled. Crucially, some of the films are authored by disabled people themselves, while others feature non-disabled actors taking on the role of a disabled character.
The idea of 'cripping up' - the equivalent of 'blacking up' - where a non-disabled actor takes on the role of a disabled person, is gaining ground in current debates about how disabled people want to be represented in film. Reflecting on the Oscar-winning performances of films like My Left Foot raises questions about what a rebooted version might look like, and whether the film industry needs to challenge itself about how to cast disabled actors into these kind of roles.
Graham Findlay (disability equality consultant)
Please note: titles in this collection may contain language or other content that reflect views prevalent in their time but that may cause offence today. They are included here for historical reasons and are in no way endorsed by the BFI or its partners.
Is There Anybody Out There?Is There Anybody Out There?
Documentary202387 minsDirector: Ella Glendining
Highlighting the importance of being seen, Ella Glendining invites us on a personal journey as she sets out to find others with the same rare disability as herself.
Notes on BlindnessNotes on Blindness
Documentary201687 minsDirector: James Spinney and Peter Middleton
James Spinney and Peter Middleton's highly original documentary uses cinematic interpretations and textured sound design to express a ‘world beyond sight.’
The Possibilities Are EndlessThe Possibilities Are Endless
Documentary201483 minsDirector: Edward Lovelace and James Hall
A moving and haunting account of singer Edwyn Collins’s long and difficult recovery from a stroke.
A Space in TimeA Space in Time
Documentary202188 minsDirector: Nick Taussig and Riccardo Servini
Candid and intimate portrait of one family’s journey to transcend a fatal muscle wasting disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Special PeopleSpecial People
Comedy200874 minsDirector: Justin Edgar
Justin Edgar's pioneering feature comedy about a neurotic filmmaker enlisted to make a film with a class of wheelchair-users.
The Reason I JumpThe Reason I Jump
Documentary202182 minsDirector: Jerry Rothwell
Award-winning director Jerry Rothwell's compelling documentary is a rare cinematic and sensorial insight into the world of non-speaking autistic people.
My Feral HeartMy Feral Heart
Drama201683 minsDirector: Jane Gull
A young man with Down's syndrome is forced into care after his mother dies, in this sensitive, poignant and naturalistic drama.
Trying to Kiss the MoonTrying to Kiss the Moon
Animation & Artists Moving Image199496 minsDirector: Stephen Dwoskin
Autobiographical film by the veteran disabled experimental filmmaker, Steve Dwoskin.
FootstepsFootsteps
Drama197433 minsDirector: Alan Parker
Mollie has been left with highly sensitive hearing after an attack. In her boarding house room she "witnesses" a murder by hearing strange footsteps.
OutcastsOutcasts
Drama200825 minsDirector: Ian Clark
A girl in love, a pop star in peril and a gang on the run - watch it play out!
The OutsiderThe Outsider
Medical drama193991 minsDirector: Paul L. Stein
Paul L. Stein's gripping and romantic The Outsider features a famed osteopath (George Sanders) who treats a young disabled woman (Mary Maguire) with his unconventional methods - only to fall in love with her.
Some VoicesSome Voices
Comedy200197 minsDirector: Simon Cellan Jones
Daniel Craig impresses in a tough but sensitive portrait of a man living with schizophrenia
The Raging MoonThe Raging Moon
Drama1971112 minsDirector: Bryan Forbes
Sensitive and ground-breaking romance between couple who are both wheelchair users, played by Malcolm McDowell and Nanette Newman.
WalterWalter
Drama198273 minsDirector: Stephen Frears
Ian McKellen stars in Stephen Frears' TV play as Walter, a man with learning difficulties who's put in an institution after the death of his mother.
Walter and JuneWalter and June
Drama198365 minsDirector: Stephen Frears
Ian McKellen and Stephen Frears reunite for the sequel to their TV play Walter. The titular character (McKellen) meets a young mother (Sarah Miles) who is suicidally depressed; the two support one another to cope with life in a closed institution.
BehindertBehindert
Animation & Artists Moving Image197498 minsDirector: Stephen Dwoskin
The account of a close, personal relationship as experienced by a disabled man.
My Left FootMy Left Foot
Biopic1989103 minsDirector: Jim Sheridan
Daniel Day-Lewis won an Oscar for his extraordinary performance as Christy Brown, the disabled Dubliner who became a writer and painter.
MandyMandy
Drama195293 minsDirector: Alexander Mackendrick
Alexander Mackendrick's drama about a deaf girl and her unstable family life is remarkably unsentimental while still packing an emotional punch.
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