May 20th 2019 Screening
On May 20th 2019 I screened the film “A Stroke Of Endurance” for 2 more college classes related to sociology back to back. I introduced the film and told the classes I wrote the film partly to spread the message that disabled people are NOT better off dead.
The response was hugely positive during the 2 Q&As. It was a ton of fun! The students had great questions and comments as always about what CP was and the production process. One student told me they found the film inspiring. Another student asked me how we got permission to shoot the film at the location where it was shot. One student asked how the actor who played Professor Ben was able to re create the stroke so well. They loved Tim Snoha, the actor who played the character with the stroke! “He’s just a darn good, super talented actor!!” I said. I explained how a woman with a stroke had given input on Professor Ben’s character to make his movements and emotions more realistic, then the actors followed my instructions really well and my disabled actors brought some of their own disability experience into the performance. Another student asked if I was trying to change the conversation on disability. I told her I wanted the conversation on disability to be more open. One student asked what Cerebral Palsy was and if Cerebral Palsy was painful. I explained that it depended on the particular person with CP but that arthritis was common as people with CP get older. Then this person commented that they liked how one of Professor Ben’s biggest fears was losing the ability to work. After the screening a student told me they liked how truthful the film was.
I was given full permission by the professor to make this blog post! Special thanks to the professor for inviting me and I hope to do it again very soon!