Maximize inclusive filmmaking with this Session on diversity through disability.

Overview

More attention than ever is being given to disability and accessibility in film. From production through presentation, authentic and responsible representation needs to be a part of the filmmaking efforts. Accessibility is also a fast-growing area creating the cultural change needed for inclusive filmmaking and film presentations. To discuss where we are in this revolution and where we need to be, join this Gotham Week Expo Session led by ReelAbilities Film Festival, exploring better inclusion for the disability community.

ABOUT THE GOTHAM WEEK EXPO
The Gotham Week Expo brings together partners from our Expanding Communities, Owning It, and Gotham EDU programs for the first time. The Expo will showcase thought leadership on the advancement of the film and media industries while amplifying partner organizations and communities.

ABOUT GOTHAM WEEK
Back IRL for the first time in three years, Gotham Week 2022 will take place at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, September 17-23, and also includes virtual programming and events. Each year, Gotham Week connects groundbreaking talent in film, TV, and audio to the ecosystem of industry decision-makers, experts, and organizations that support their success. Through Project Market discoveries and acquisitions, innovative Conference programming, and the inaugural partner Expo, Gotham Week gives independent creators critical industry access, resources, and opportunities to grow their network. It provides a unique platform from which groundbreaking careers and projects have launched, celebrating the creativity, boldness, and determination The Gotham is all about.

Panelists

Danielle Pretsfelder Demchick

Casting Society of America - co-VP of Advocacy

Danielle is an advocate manifesting change in how the real world is reflected in today’s media. She has been an active member of the New York casting community since 2004. Nickelodeon was her casting home for over 14 years, where she tapped into her love of developing young talent. From live action and animation, scripted and unscripted, long form and short form, and even podcasts, she has and loves to cast it all! The co-VP of Advocacy for the Casting Society of America, her work elevating underrepresented communities has been barrier breaking and continues to motivate her to manifest change in how the real world is seen on screen. A leader in the organization's Equity in Entertainment committee, she serves on the board of both the Casting Society of America and Casting Society Cares, where her focus is on Training & Education. She prides herself on being an ally to artists and aspiring talent of all abilities. She serves as a faculty advisor for Respectability and she is on the Actor's Fund's Looking Ahead Advisory Board. In addition to her work in casting, she is currently pursuing a master's degree in Disabilities Studies at the City University of New York. She is also a trained childhood bereavement group facilitator and serves as a member of the Caring Committee for the Wechsler Center for Modern Aging.

Moderators

Xian Horn

Give Beauty Wings - Founder

Xian is a joyful half-Asian woman with Cerebral Palsy, who serves as founder of the non-profit, Give Beauty Wings and consultancy Changeblazer. She is an advocate, speaker, blogger, and Exemplar for the AT&T NYU Connect Ability Challenge in the creation of Assistive Technology. Xian was named Women’s eNews’ 21 Leaders for the 21st Century in 2017 and in Walker’s Legacy Power 15 in 2018. Give Beauty Wings’ Self-Esteem programs began and continue at NYU’s Initiative for Women with Disabilities, the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, and M.S. 131. She is a freelance journalist at ForbesWomen and Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global. https://xianhorn.com/