Recently I got an opportunity to meet Mr Samuthirakani who is an Indian film actor and director who predominantly works in the Tamil cinema besides appearing in a number of Malayalam and Telugu films. A humble and simple person, he is known for directing meaningful and message oriented films. I presented my book - 'Swimming against the tide' to him. I also requested him to further promote inclusion of persons with disabilities in the society through his movies. He responded very positively to my request and informed me that he has already plans to work on a movie with a person with disability.
We all know movies have a great impact on the public. If the directors/producers ensure to show persons with disabilities as students/employees/employers/sports persons etc in their movies, everyone can understand that persons with disabilities can thrive in every field. Nothing can stop them if they are included everywhere and proper support is extended.
It would be great if filmmakers encourage persons with disabilities to act roles big or small, including disability as part of their characters rather than have non disabled actors play that role. Besides providing them livelihood it would also widen audiences' perspectives on inclusion and acceptance.
Our YWTC team has plans to make short films to promote more inclusion in the society. Interested volunteers with relevant/required skills (scriptwriting, videography, acting, video editing etc) can register with us using the following link:
https://www.ywtc.org/get-involved
