Learn the latest news from our press releases and check out the film challenge media coverage below.
Media Coverage
Spectrum News – 5/9/2026
Amplitude Magazine – 4/7/2026
Variety – 3/12/2026
Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Returns for 2026, Announces ‘Dramedy’ Genre
Variety – 1/19/2026
Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Opens for Adobe Film Finishing Grants
Variety – 1/24/2025
Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Returns with $15,000 Grants to Winners
Variety – 1/19/2024
Nic Novicki Celebrates A Decade Of The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
Forbes – 1/23/2023
‘Rain in My Head’ Triple Winner at Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
(recap of the awards ceremony)
Variety – 5/4/2023
In Depth: Disability Pride Month
Fox 11 Los Angeles – 7/16/2023
Golden Globes President Honors Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Filmmakers | Raising Our Voices 2023
The Hollywood Reporter – 2023
Easterseals Disability Film Challenge celebrates 10th year
Spectrum News – 11/24/2023
JC actor is ‘Unlucky in Love’ for Easterseals Disability Film Challenge ‘23
NJ.com – 4/12/2023
Best Films about Love and Limb Loss in the 2023 Disability Film Challenge
Amplitude – 4/12/2023
Hollywood Minute: ‘Stranger Things’ final season on hold
CNN – 2023
Hollywood Minute: Easterseals Disability Film Challenge finalists
CNN – 2023
Nic Novicki Celebrates A Decade Of The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
Forbes – 1/23/2023
Hollywood Minute: ‘Elvis’ back in theaters
CNN – 2023
Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin to Receive Cinematic Imagery Award at ADG Awards — Film News in Brief
Variety – 1/19/2023
Stories of Looking for Love Highlight NFMLA’s In Focus: Disability Film Festival
MovieMaker – 8/11/2023
Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Celebrates Decade Of Advocacy With Record No. Of Submissions
GirlTalkHQ – 5/12/2023
‘Mac & Cheese’ Wins Top Honors at 2022 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Awards
Variety – 5/7/2022
Phil Lord, Chris Miller, Ryan O’Connell to Present at 2022 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Awards
Variety – 4/28/2022
Jersey City actor’s short explores superhero theme for Easterseals Disability Film Challenge ‘22
NJ.com – 4/21/2022
Marlee Matlin, Geena Davis Celebrate Diversity Wins
Holiday Reporter – 4/20/2022
How the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Is Revolutionizing Representation in Hollywood
The Mighty – 4/20/2022
35th Israel Film Fest in L.A. Opens With Avi Nesher’s ‘Image of Victory’ – Film News in Brief
Variety – 4/19/2022
An Interview With The Cast and Crew Of ‘Skyward’ An Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Hopeful
Forbes – 4/19/2022
Casting Society Collaborates with Easterseals Disability Film Challenge on Casting Panel
AwardsDaily – 4/19/2022
Yucaipa’s ‘Grambo’ jail employee honored in film contest
Redlands Daily Facts – 4/19/2022
We Make Movie Makes 1st Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Film In Less Than 5 Days
Broadway World – 4/17/2022
Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Announces 2022 Genre is ‘Superhero’ at Sundance Film Festival
CNN Hollywood Minute (‘Captain America’ joins up with ‘The Rock’) – 1/24/2022
NewFilmmakers Los Angeles Announces Disability Challenge Filmmakers Grants — Film News in Brief
Variety, 8/4/2021
‘Dwarfo-Psychosis’ Wins Big at Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Awards
Variety, 5/7/2021
2021 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Awards
Hollywood Minute, 5/6/2021
With The Disability Film Challenge, Disabled Artists Take The Reins
Forbes.com, 4/20/21
‘Tipping point’: Oscars Filmmakers Hail Disability Progress
The Express Tribune, 4/19/2021
MSN Entertainment, 4/19/2021
Yahoo News, 4/18/2021
Barron’s, 4/18/2021
Bangkok Post, 4/18/2021
IMDbPro Partners With Easterseals To Create Visibility For Entertainment Professionals In Disability Community
Deadline, 4/7/2021
Ali Stroker and Michelle Buteau to Present at Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
Variety, 3/29/2021
The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Returns
CNN Hollywood Minute, 2/19/2021
Easterseals Southern California Launches 2021 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
Easterseals Announcement, 2/18/2021
Marc Malkin to be EDFC Judge
Variety, 2/1/2021
Sundance 2021 Knows Accessibility Is a Problem and Set Out to Change It
IndieWire, 2/1/2021
Winners Announced At A Star-Studded Awards Ceremony
Easterseals Southern California Announcement, 8/14/2020
You’re Invited to the Inaugural Disability Revolution Book Club Hosted By Easterseals & Friends
Easterseals Southern California Announcement, 3/17/2020
Announcement from Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Founder Nic Novicki
Easterseals Southern California Announcement, 3/17/2020
Seventh Annual Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Officially Open for Entries
TheMighty.com, 1/29/2020
Seventh Annual Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Officially Open for Entries
YahooFinance.com, 1/29/2020
Registration for the 2020 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge is Now Open
SeligFilmNews.com, 1/29/2020
Seventh Annual Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Officially Open for Entries
MSN.com, 1/29/2020
Registration for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge is Now Open!
TheIndieSource.com, 1/25/2020
Why Hollywood’s reluctance to welcome disability shuts out a lot of fresh talent and stories
LA Times, 11/2/2019
Inclusion & Representation Matters
PR Week, 9/26/2019
‘Bionic Actress’ goes viral for ‘Star Wars’ cosplay complete with lightsaber arm
Yahoo Finance/Style, 7/29/2019
Indy Shorts puts spotlight on short films
Daily Journal, 7/24/2019
Exclusive Photos: Rachel Miner, Shoshannah Stern and More at the DisSDCC Panel
Nerds and Beyond, 7/20/2019
Steven Shaw, ASC Supports Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Project
The American Society of Cinematograhers, 6/24/2019
Art House Productions Presents June JC Fridays – Access Edition on June 7th
New Jersey Stage, 5/24/2019
Beverly Native wins Best Director in film challenge
Beverly Citizen, 5/21/2019
How To Write A Film For A 2-Day Competition (And Win!)
FilmCourage.com, 5/19/2019
How To Write A Film For A 2-Day Competition (And Win!)
Film Closings, 5/19/2019
Walt Jr. Reveals He Is Not Being Included In The Upcoming ‘Breaking Bad’ Movie, Sounds Torn Up About It
Bro Bible, 5/13/2019
Walt Jr. Reveals He Is Not Being Included In The Upcoming ˜Breaking Bad” Movie, Sounds Torn Up About It
viralfeels.com, 5/13/2019
Live From Lincoln Center
WFYI (PBS), 5/13/2019
Breaking Bad: RJ Mitte will not appear in the film
badtv.it, 5/12/2019
Our Easterseals Disability Film Challenge win!! (My first)
Where’s Waldman (Podcast), 5/11/2019
Watch ‘Parents, Inc.,’ Winner of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge (Video)
Yahoo Entertainment, 5/11/2019
The Unshrinkable Riley Weinstein
Santa Clarita Gazette, 5/10/2019
Watch ‘Parents, Inc.,’ Winner of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge (Video)
Gossip Bucket, 5/10/2019
Watch ‘Parents, Inc.,’ Winner of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge (Video)
The Wrap , 5/10/2019
Phil Lord and Chris Miller Support the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
The Hollywood Reporter (Online edition), 5/10/2019
‘Parents Inc.’ Wins Top Prize at Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
Windstream, 5/10/2019
‘Parents Inc.’ Wins Top Prize at Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
News Need News, 5/10/2019
‘Parents Inc.’ Wins Top Prize at Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
Long Room, 5/10/2019
‘Parents Inc.’ Wins Top Prize at Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
News in Movies, 5/10/2019
‘Parents Inc.’ Wins Top Prize at Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
Sortiwa, 5/10/2019
‘Parents Inc.’ Wins Top Prize at Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
SF Gate, 5/10/2019
‘Parents Inc.’ Wins Top Prize at Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
The Telegraph, 5/10/2019
‘Parents Inc.’ Wins Top Prize at Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
Tribune Content Agency , 5/10/2019
‘Parents Inc.’ Wins Top Prize at Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
Yahoo Entertainment, 5/10/2019
‘Parents Inc.’ Wins Top Prize at Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
Variety (Online edition), 5/10/2019
Easterseals Film Challenge Changes Perceptions About
newmoviereleasesdvd.loginby.com, 5/7/2019
RJ Mitte Says There’s a ‘Time and Place’ for Able-Bodied Actors to Play Characters With Disabilities
Yahoo Entertainment, 5/6/2019
RJ Mitte Says There’s a ‘Time and Place’ for Able-Bodied Actors to Play Characters With Disabilities
The Wrap, 5/6/2019
RJ Mitte Says He’s Not in the ‘Breaking Bad’ Movie, but He Has an Idea for Walt Jr
Yahoo News, 5/6/2019
RJ Mitte Says He’s Not in the ‘Breaking Bad’ Movie, but He Has an Idea for Walt Jr
The Wrap, 5/6/2019
Easterseals Film Challenge Sets Out to Change Perceptions About People With Disabilities
The Wrap, 5/6/2019
Easterseals Film Challenge Sets Out to Change Perceptions About People With Disabilities
Yahoo Entertainment, 5/6/2019
Easterseals Film Challenge Sets Out to Change Perceptions About People With Disabilities
SF Gate, 5/6/2019
Adobe Helps Sponsor the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
NYC Production & Post News, 5/1/2019
Finalists for the Easterseals Disability Challenge announced at NB Film Festival
Stu News Newport, 4/30/2019
“Sheepdog” at South Coast Rep, Silkroad Ensemble at SCFTA and more
Jordan R. Young Blog, 4/27/2019
Newport Beach Film Festival 2019: SoCal’s Center for Cinema Celebration Turns the Big 2-0 This Year
Movie Maker, 4/26/2019
‘This Close’ Team Partners with Easterseals to Create Hollywood ‘Pipeline’ for People with Disabilities
mysanantonio.com, 4/25/2019
Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, RJ Mitte Urge for More Disability Representation in Hollywood
The Hollywood Reporter (Online edition), 4/25/2019
Inside Easterseals’ Disability Film Challenge
CNN Entertainment, 4/25/2019
McKenzie Westmore Reveals That She Has Tourette Syndrome: ‘I Was Afraid it Would Hurt My Career’
Yahoo Entertainment, 4/24/2019
Actress McKenzie Westmore Opens Up About Tourette’s Syndrome
Canada Pressit, 4/24/2019
McKenzie Westmore Zeigt, Dass Sie Tourette-Syndrome: ‚ich hatte Angst, es Würde Weh, Meine Karriere”
Starnews, 4/24/2019
McKenzie Westmore Reveals That She Has Tourette Syndrome: ‘I Was Afraid it Would Hurt My Career’
People (Online edition), 4/24/2019
Actress McKenzie Westmore Opens Up About Tourette’s Syndrome
ET Canada, 4/24/2019
Halifax filmmaker creating time travel fable on tight timeline
The Chronicle Herald, 4/22/2019
Bionic actress from Slidell celebrates diversity in the film industry
WGNO (ABC) Online, 4/22/2019
Challenging Ableism: Native Houstonian Enters Short Film Competition
The Buzz Magazines, 4/22/2019
Good Morning New Orleans
WGNO (ABC), 4/22/2019
INTERVIEW WITH CORY REEDER
The Negatives, 4/20/2019
McKenzie Westmore post
Twitter, 4/19/2019
SOAP VET PATRIKA DARBO TALKS NEW FILM
Soap Opera Digest, 4/18/2019
INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR, DIANA ELIZABETH JORDAN
The Negatives, 4/18/2019
HR Latte: Inclusion of the DisABLED in Media with Film Producer Cory Reeder
intrepid.media, 4/18/2019
Peppa Peg debuts a character with a disability
Love That Max: Special Needs Blog, 4/17/2019
This Short Film Explores Autism and Friendship
The Mighty, 4/15/2019
Disabled Film Directors: Interview with Diana Elizabeth Jordan
Disability Visibility Project, 4/15/2019
Tatiana Lee’s Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Entry Head Trip Challenges Virtual Reality Experiences
RespectAbility, 4/15/2019
Emily Kranking’s Directorial Debut Saylor and Selena Explores Relationship Between Friends, Including One with Autism
RespectAbility, 4/15/2019
I CAN Premieres Today As Part Of The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
Broadway World, 4/12/2019
How One Weekend Could Change Your Filmmaking Career… and Hollywood
Film Independent, 3/26/2019
Easterseals marks 100 years of commitment to the disability community
WUSA9.com (CBS) (Online edition), 3/26/2019
John Penotti and Phil Lord to Mentor 2019 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Winners
Broadway World, 3/25/2019
Industry Interview: NIC NOVICKI, founder/director of EASTERSEALS DISABILITY FILM CHALLENGE
SAGindie, 3/22/2019
FILMMAKING- FROM IDEA TO DISTRIBUTION- PANEL DISCUSSION
Do LA, 3/3/2019
In Case You Missed It…Disability Through a Brand New Lens
Women’s eNews, 2/27/2019
Summit and Panel Discussion Examines Disability Through a Brand New Lens
Broadway World, 2/26/2019
Meet Caley Versfelt of Tides of Kindness in Manhattan Beach
Voyage LA, 2/26/2019
Episode 51: Nic Novicki and The Easter Seals Disability Film Challenge
The Accessible Stall, 2/26/2019
Produce and Represent a World with Disabilities with Nic Novicki
Player FM, 2/24/2019
Ski Town Turned Hollywood: Sundance Making Film Festival More Accessible For Ind. With Disabilities
Utah Public Radio (Online edition), 2/12/2019
Danielle Perez Blog
The Danielle Perez, 1/24/2019
Screenings at Fountain Theatre showcase filmmakers with disabilities
Intimate Excellent: The Fountain Theater Blog, 12/19/2018
Film Challenge Aims to Change View of Disabled
CNN.com, 5/4/2018
Nic Novicki Uses Competition to Get Better Representation of People With Disabilities
Variety, 3/22/2018
The GLAAD Wrap: ‘Vida’ trailer, ‘Love, Simon’ sneak peek, ‘Take My Wife’ on iTunes and more! (Film Challenge Mention and Code)
GLAAD.org, 3/9/2018
Advocating disability in the arts; Interview with Nic Novicki
The Michigan Daily, 3/4/2018
Disability Community Deserves More Visibility in Hollywood
Variety, 3/1/2018
Bentonville Film Festival & Disability Film Challenge Announces Alliance
KARK.com, 1/25/2018
Posted Sundance/Bentonville press release from MovieCityNews.com
San Bernardino News, 1/22/2018
Easterseals Disability Film Challenge & Bentonville Film Festival to Announce Alliance at Sundance
FilmFestivals.com, 1/22/2018
Easterseals; Wal-Mart And Coca-Cola’s Bentonville Film Festival; AT&T And DirecTv Join In “Disability Film Challenge” At Sundance
MovieCityNews.com, 1/20/2018
Training For an Inclusive Future
Variety (Online Edition), 2018
Press Releases
Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Celebrates 10 Years of Leadership and Advocacy for Diversity, Equity + Inclusion in
Entertainment
Celebrating a decade of leadership advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, the 2023 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge opens for registration Jan. 21, with the competition to be held March 28 – April 2. Download Press Release PDF here.
Los Angeles, January 19, 2023
Easterseals Southern California Announces Winners of the 2022 Disability Film Challenge
“Mac & Cheese” Takes Home Best Film & Paul Raci, Rick Glassman, Sue Ann Pien, Albert Rutecki, Max Borenstein, Chris Miller, Blake Stadnik & Phil Lord among award show presenters
Los Angeles, May 6, 2022
Paul Raci, Rick Glassman, Sue Ann Pien, Albert Rutecki, Max Borenstein, Blake Stadnik, Ryan O’Connell, Phil Lord, Chris Miller, & more join the 2022 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Awards Ceremony
Event returns in person on Thursday, May 5th at Sony Pictures Studios’ Cary Grant Theater
Los Angeles, April 28, 2022
2022 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Officially Launched at Sundance Film Festival
Participants can register at DisabilityFilmChallenge.com through Monday, April 4
Los Angeles, Jan. 24, 2022
Easterseals Southern California Announces Winners of the 2021 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
“Dwarfo-psychosis” Takes Home Best Film and Best Director Prizes
Los Angeles, May 7, 2021
Easterseals Southern California and IMDbPro Collaborate to Support and Create Visibility for Entertainment Professionals in the Disability Community
Collaboration Includes Highlighting Winners of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge on IMDb and IMDbPro
Los Angeles, April 7, 2021
Michelle Buteau, Paul Raci, Ali Stroker, Matthew Jeffers, and More Join Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
Adobe, IMDbPro, WarnerMedia, and ViacomCBS to serve as presenting sponsors; Judges Include Jim LeBrecht, Lawrence Carter-Long, Kat Coiro, Jillian Mercado, Col Needham, Lolo Spencer, Stephanie Thomas, and More
Los Angeles, March 29, 2021
Easterseals Southern California Launches 2021 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
Now Accepting Submissions for the “Home Edition 2.0”; Judges Include Jim LeBrecht, Lawrence Carter-Long, Kat Coiro, Jillian Mercado, Col Needham, Lolo Spencer, Stephanie Thomas, and More
Los Angeles, February 18, 2021
Easterseals Announces Sundance Film Festival Programming, Partnership, Advancing Disability Representation in Entertainment–For The First Time Ever, Entire Festival Lineup Will Be Closed-Captioned
Festival will mark the launch of the 2021 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, and Easterseals in Entertainment Website and Resource Center
Los Angeles, Jan. 19. 2021
Winners Announced At A Star-Studded Awards Ceremony
Los Angeles, Aug. 14, 2020
Celebrated Actors & Filmmaker with Disabilities Team with Easterseals on Urgent COVID-19 Message
PSAs Encourage Everyone to #StayHomeSaveLives during coronavirus crisis
Los Angeles, April 15,2020
Easterseals Disability FIlm Challenge For 2020 Officially Launched at Sundance Film Festival
Participants can register at DisabilityFilmChallenge.com now through Friday, March 13th for regular deadline and Tuesday, March 31st for late registration.
Park City, Utah, January 25, 2020
Hollywood Radio and Television Society (HRTS) Unveils New Member Guide to TV Industry Programs That Promote Inclusion, Equality, and Representation
Guide Sponsored by Easterseals Disability Services Provides Information on Advancing Disability Inclusion; HRTS Member Companies and Other Organizations Promoting Inclusion and Diversity Included in the Guide
(Los Angeles – Oct. 24, 2019)
Entertainment Industry Unites for Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Awards to Honor Filmmakers Who Inspire Change
Winners of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Announced by Micah Fowler, Geri Jewell, CJ Jones, Ryan O’Connell, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and More at Sony Pictures Studios
(Los Angeles – May 10, 2019)
Finalists for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Announced and Showcased at the Newport Beach Film Festival
Annual Film Challenge Celebrates Inclusion in the Entertainment Industry; Winners to be Announced May 9 at Sony Pictures Studios
(Newport Beach, Calif.– April 29, 2019)
Television Academy Foundation Partners With Easterseals to Present the Power of TV: Representing Disability in Storytelling
April 24 Public Event to Focus on Disability Representation and Inclusion in Television
(NoHo Arts District, Calif.– April 10, 2019)
Registration Open for 2019 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge: A Force for Change, Disability Inclusion & Careers in Entertainment
Film Competition Takes Place April 5-7; Winners Announced at Red Carpet Ceremony at Sony Pictures Studios, on May 9
GLOBE NEWSWIRE
(Los Angeles – Jan. 28, 2019)
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