New Easterseals Disability Film Challenge: Home Edition Launches!

Register Now to Virtually Develop Your Documentary July 14-19

The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge is always a highly anticipated annual film competition dedicated to driving disability inclusion and representation within the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera. Originally planned for early April 2020, Easterseals cancelled the regularly scheduled film challenge due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, that is not the end of the story …

By adapting to the times – and, determining how we could safely pivot to a different type of challenge – we are pleased to announce the new Easterseals Disability Film Challenge: Home Edition. This special summer competition will run July 14-19, 2020 and culminate with a “virtual awards event” announcing the 2020 winners on August 13, 2020. The Home Edition challenge genre is: Documentary Films.

This year’s Home Edition competition gives filmmakers, with and without disabilities, the opportunity to tell unique and personal stories that showcase disability in its many forms, through documentary filmmaking.

“We want you to share your own stories in creative and interesting ways, all while producing, filming, and editing in the safety of your own home,” says Nic Novicki, founder/director of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. “It is important we continue to stay connected, hone our filmmaking skills and work together to advance opportunities for people with disabilities across entertainment. More than ever, it’s critical to advance authentic, diverse stories – that’s what the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge: Home Edition is all about!”

Additionally, with the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coming on July 26, we have much to celebrate even during this tumultuous time for our country, albeit a crucial moment for true equality.

“We know our film challenge participants will be creative, stay safe, and think outside the box with their documentary submissions – we can’t wait to see the films you create,” adds Novicki.

Register for the Home Edition today at www.DisabilityFilmChallenge.com, and check out the detailed rules to enter. Key dates include:

  • The “Home Edition” Documentary Films competition takes place July 14-19, 2020
  • Last date to register is July 13
  • Detailed assignment for this challenge will post July 14
  • Awareness campaign to run July 25 through August 2
  • All finalists will be announced August 8
  • Virtual awards event is planned for August 13 (more details forthcoming)

Challenge winners receive invaluable access to entertainment professionals, opening the door to an industry notoriously difficult to enter, thanks in large part to our generous industry sponsors and partners. And, there are some incredible prizes, too.

Get registered for the all new, special virtual Easterseals Disability Film Challenge: Home Edition today!