ETL premieres activist films

Extending the Link will premiere the hallmark of the organization’s venture this Thursday with a film gallery about disability activism.

The project, this year a collection of four short films, will be offered for viewing in an interactive gallery where attendees are given time and space to reflect on the documentaries. A question-and-answer panel will follow the showing and allow guests to engage with members of Extending the Link and pursue further discussion regarding the films and disability activism.

The films are organized by chapter, each focused on a different chapter representing a different facet of this work, building on each other to create an environment well-disposed not only for dialogue but also for action.

Featured in the films are Sydney Robinson, Diversity and Inclusion program manager for the Multicultural Center at CSB, Kayla Brotzman, a graduate from Concordia University in St. Paul, Jillian Nelson, the Community Resource and Policy Advocate for the Autism Society of Minnesota, Cara Ruff, founder and executive director of an independent living center in Sauk Rapids and Belo Miguel Cipriani, a journalist, strategist, author and current member of the creative writing department at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul.

The films also feature two characters from far beyond Minnesota: Miro Griffiths, a Leverhulme Research Fellow in Disability Studies at the University of Leeds, and Kamil Goungor, Policy and Movement Support Officer for European Network on Independent Living.

Chapter one lays out the goals for disability activism, establishing what it is and why it’s necessary. This relates to the overarching goal of ETL to amplify social injustices that are off the radar for many.

“We fight for accessibility, support, accountability and identity” said Grace Savard, codirector of research and relations according to ETL.

The second chapter centers on resistance and activism. It shows viewers what activism looks like in the present day and what disability activism and resistance really entails.

Chapter three focuses on intersectionality and identities, calling viewers to think about the versatility of their own identities, and how this relates to social justice. It was important for the filmmakers to present these ideas in terms of people with disabilities.

“People with disabilities have other identities that facet who they are as a human being,” said Alex Morales, creative codirector.

These identities—queer, BIPOC and Christian—are inextricable from the identity of disability, and thus are inextricable from disability activism.

The final chapter is called the Notion of Allyship. This chapter calls on those without disabilities to stand in solidarity with the disabled community and to take action. Allyship and engagement from other communities is an essential part of any social justice movement and is crucial for ETL.

Beyond the camera, ETL resolved to take action and make changes within the campus community to benefit those with disabilities. This year, they proposed a scholarship for students with disabilities, as well as three initiatives to make campus more accessible. Both proposals were presented before the student Senates and have gained approval.

ETL also practiced adaptability in their documentary project this year. Unable to take their traditional international trip to film, the team nonetheless found a way to engage with both the local and international community. They conducted interviews with activists from Minnesota, Greece and the UK and used recordings of the interviews themselves as footage.

ETL hopes the film gallery is successful in sparking continued change and progress for disability activism.

“I hope to enlighten the voices of those who don’t have a voice and to bring the CSB/SJU community more awareness on the topic,” said Allie Sia Siu, operation codirector.

Morales touched on this idea and a concept familiar with much social justice work.

“Our intention is to foster discussion in the university and beyond… and to allow for awareness and [discomfort],” he said.

ETL will also be showing the films at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 24 in Gorecki 204, as well as on their YouTube channel. They hope students and the broader community members will take 30 minutes out of their evening to learn about disability activism and to join in the allyship of the movement which begins with awareness.