Film Screening: "Freaks" & "Killer Cure" Halloween Double Feature October 4, 2006

The disTHIS! Film Series, sponsored by the Disabilities Network of NYC and ConnecTV, showcases quality narrative, shorts, documentary and feature films with disability themes beyond clichés.

On the first Wednesday of each month, the disTHIS! Film Series screens movies which spotlight pride instead of pity, character over charity and direction rather than diagnosis.

disTHIS! screenings will be funny, sexy and maybe even a little startling; always provocative, never quite what you'd expect.

Or as the slogan says, disability through a whole new lens.

The space is wheelchair accessible and both movies are captioned.

All disTHIS! movies, talkback sessions and related events are free and open to the public. Donations accepted. Snacks are served at all screenings.

About the films:

FREAKS (1932)
Director: Tod Browning
62 minutes

In 1932, MGM studios asked 'Dracula' director, Tod Browning, to produce the most frightening movie ever.

FREAKS was Browning's answer to the challenge. In the film, Browning tells a melodramatic tale of greed and deception using famous real-life sideshow performers of the era.

Considered shocking when first released (audience members were reported to have fainted during screenings) -- and even today, FREAKS was banned in England for 30 years.

FREAKS has the unique position of being both condemned and beloved by disability rights advocates.

Does Browning exploit the performers? Or does FREAKS portray sideshow performers in a sympathetic light, as actual characters rather than horrific metaphors or monsters?

See the film! Decide for yourself!

Shown along with:

Killer Cure (2003)
Director: Steve Carolan
12 minutes

Shoot Your Mouth Off Productions presents a surreal satire in which three people with cerebral palsy explore the implications of the belief disabled people are being punished for sins committed in past lives.

See the shocking result of the "cure" required to rid the world of people with disabilities!

Will our heroes survive?

Join us for a special Halloween edition of the disTHIS! Film Series! An audience discussion with disTHIS! curator, Lawrence Carter-Long, will follow immediately after the screenings.

Space is limited! Call 212.251.4092 to RSVP or email:

Lawrence@dnnyc.net

Official Website: http://disthis.org