NFMLA's InFocus: Disabilities Showcases Emerging Talents

      Narratives about a mother-daughter shopping excursion, an unexpected storm, and one man’s ambitious effort to trademark his image were featured in the New Filmmakers Los Angeles festival, which emphasized stories related to disabilities.

      The yearly InFocus: Disabilities program, which took place in May, commenced with MiFilm x NFMLA’s Seen in Full: Disabilities in Focus, showcasing a series of films that acknowledged and celebrated the contributions of emerging filmmakers with disabilities. MiFilm, or Minorities in Film, is an organization committed to providing opportunities for filmmakers from marginalized groups to present their work and connect with audiences. Through carefully selected screenings and discussions, MiFilm aims to highlight varied perspectives in filmmaking while encouraging conversations surrounding identity, culture, and storytelling.

      The lineup also featured InFocus: Disabilities, a segment that highlighted disability representation both on-screen and behind the scenes. It presented a mix of narratives through the experiences of visible and invisible disabilities, focusing on works created by disabled filmmakers and stories told collaboratively with their subjects or protagonists. The program included a remarkable variety of genres, from vampire tales to surreal experimental films, documentaries, and heartfelt comedies.

      The evening wrapped up with May Shorts, a compilation of dark comedies, dramas, and absurdist pieces that explored significant themes with unreserved honesty. These films provided introspection, thoughtful analysis, and examined complex relationships, resilience, and protective instincts.

      NFMLA presents films created by filmmakers from diverse backgrounds year-round, including within both general and InFocus programming. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit their projects for upcoming NFMLA Festivals, irrespective of the InFocus schedule, which promotes representation by highlighting various filmmaker communities as part of the NFMLA Monthly Film Festival. This initiative is supported in part 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, along with additional information, courtesy of our partners at NFMLA.

      “Day 21,” directed by Dashiell Meier

      About Dashiell: Dashiell Meier is a storyteller, advocate for disability rights, filmmaker, actor, and college student. He directed, co-wrote, and performed in “Day 21,” a short thriller created for the 2025 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, where he received the Best Actor Award. His acclaimed documentary short, “This Is Me,” a solo endeavor, is currently being shown at various film festivals. In addition to creating his own live-action and animated shorts, Dashiell works on projects that ensure accurate representation of individuals with Trisomy 21/Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities. He is set to star in the upcoming feature "21 Down" alongside Ashley Judd and Dylan Walsh. Dashiell, a recent Docs in Progress (FWD/Doc) fellow, is also directing a documentary about the history of Down syndrome.

      About “Day 21”: Individuals with Trisomy 21/Down syndrome find themselves isolated until an ominous threat emerges.

      Watch the NFMLA interview with Dashiell Meier, the director of “Day 21”:

      “Little Fin,” directed by Chrissy Marshall

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

      “Klaus Muller,” directed by Zach Tolchinsky

      About Zach: Zach Tolchinsky is a writer, director, and model maker in Los Angeles, recognized for his striking storytelling and skilled craftsmanship. Holding an MFA in Animation from CalArts and a diverse background in puppetry, playwriting, and acting from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Zach has received accolades in animation, including from the My Rode Reel competition and the Paris Animation Awards. As the founder of Wood Goblin Studios, he has collaborated with major companies like Disney, Nintendo, and Vans, creating imaginative realms. With over ten years of experience on notable projects such as the Oscar-nominated "Anomalisa," Emmy-winning "Robot Chicken," and Katy Perry’s “Cozy Little Christmas,” Zach’s studio has produced five award-winning shorts, including the popular “The Forbidden Zone.”

      About “Klaus Muller”: In the Arizona wilderness, park ranger Tommy Dolan stumbles upon a long-lost nuclear bomb and enlists federal expert Klaus Muller to assist in disarming it, only to realize amidst rising tensions that one of them might not be who they seem.

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

      “Born Secret,” directed by Riley Fitchpatrick

      About Riley: Riley Fitchpatrick is