NFMLA's InFocus: Disabilities Showcases Emerging Talent

      Narratives involving a mother-daughter shopping excursion, an unexpected storm, and one man's innovative quest to trademark his image were featured among the films at New Filmmakers Los Angeles’ festival that centered on disability stories.

      The yearly InFocus: Disabilities program, which took place in May, launched with MiFilm x NFMLA’s Seen in Full: Disabilities in Focus, showcasing films that emphasized and honored the contributions of emerging filmmakers with disabilities. MiFilm, or Minorities in Film, is an organization committed to providing opportunities for filmmakers from underrepresented communities to present their work and engage with viewers. Through specially curated screenings and discussions, MiFilm strives to illuminate diverse viewpoints in filmmaking while promoting conversations about identity, culture, and storytelling.

      Additionally, the program included InFocus: Disabilities, which highlighted disability representation both in front of and behind the camera. It presented a variety of narratives through the perspectives of both visible and invisible disabilities, focusing on works produced by disabled filmmakers and stories created in close partnership with their subjects or protagonists. The program showcased a remarkable array of work from emerging talent, ranging from vampire tales and surreal experimental visuals to documentary storytelling and sincere dramas and comedies.

      The evening wrapped up with May Shorts, a compilation of darkly comedic, dramatic, and absurd films that unflinchingly tackle significant issues. This block of films offered introspective and deeply reflective explorations of intricate dynamics, survival, and strong protective instincts.

      NFMLA features films by filmmakers from all backgrounds throughout the year, encompassing both its general and InFocus programming. All filmmakers are invited and encouraged to submit their projects for consideration in future NFMLA Festivals, regardless of the InFocus programming schedule, which emphasizes representation by spotlighting various filmmaker communities as part of the NFMLA Monthly Film Festival. This initiative is partially funded by grants from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

      Below are interviews with the filmmakers and further details about them, provided by NFMLA.

      **“Day 21,” directed by Dashiell Meier**

      **About Dashiell:** Dashiell Meier is a storyteller, disability advocate, filmmaker, actor, and college student. He directed, co-wrote, and starred in “Day 21,” a short thriller for the 2025 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, earning the Best Actor Award. His acclaimed documentary short, “This Is Me,” is currently featured in film festivals. In addition to creating his own live-action and animated shorts, Dashiell collaborates on projects promoting accurate representation of individuals with Trisomy 21/Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities. He will play the lead in the upcoming feature 21 Down alongside Ashley Judd and Dylan Walsh. As a recent Docs in Progress (FWD/Doc) fellow, Dashiell is directing a documentary about the history of Down syndrome.

      **About “Day 21”:** Individuals with Trisomy 21/Down syndrome find themselves isolated in the world until a looming threat emerges.

      **Watch the NFMLA interview with Dashiell Meier, the Director of “Day 21.”**

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      **“Little Fin,” directed by Chrissy Marshall**

      **About Chrissy:** Chrissy Marshall is a writer and director based in Los Angeles, originally from Maryland. A USC School of Cinematic Arts graduate, her work focuses on vulnerable human experiences, existential humor, and untold narratives. Notably, she is deaf.

      **About “Little Fin”:** A young girl with a disability goes grocery shopping with her mother.

      **Watch the NFMLA interview with Chrissy Marshall, the director of “Little Fin.”**

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      **“Klaus Muller,” directed by Zach Tolchinsky**

      **About Zach:** Zach Tolchinsky is a writer, director, and model maker based in Los Angeles, recognized for his striking storytelling and exceptional craftsmanship. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Animation from CalArts, along with a strong background in puppetry, playwriting, and acting from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Zach has received numerous accolades in animation, including the My Rode Reel competition and the Paris Animation Awards. Founder of Wood Goblin Studios, he has collaborated with industry leaders such as Disney, Nintendo, and Vans, bringing imaginative worlds to fruition. With over a decade of experience on acclaimed projects like the Oscar-nominated Anomalisa and Emmy-winning Robot Chicken, Zach’s studio has produced five award-winning shorts, including the internationally popular “The Forbidden Zone.”

      **About “Klaus Muller”:** In the Arizona wilderness, park ranger Tommy Dolan stumbles upon a long-lost nuclear bomb and summons federal expert Klaus Muller to disarm it, only to realize, as tensions escalate, that one of them may not be who he purports to be.

      **Watch the NFMLA interview with Zach Tolchinsky, the director of “Klaus Muller.”**

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      **“Born