Disney+’s coming-of-age drama, “Out of My Mind,” and Bleecker Street’s “Ezra,” a dramedy, have been acknowledged by the Ruderman Family Foundation for their pioneering efforts in promoting disability inclusion in Hollywood.
The Ruderman Family Foundation has honored these films with its Seal of Authentic Representation. Kerry Barden and Paul Schnee cast both projects.
The Ruderman Family Foundation commends Kerry Barden and Paul Schnee for their significant contributions to Hollywood’s progressive shift towards genuine disability portrayal, a vital transformation that mirrors the entertainment industry’s rising dedication to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility,” shared Jay Ruderman, the President of the Ruderman Family Foundation. He further added, “All five new recipients of the Seal of Authentic Representation have allowed audiences to uncover a critical narrative of empowerment.”
“Out of My Mind” features Phoebe-Rae Taylor as Melody, a nonverbal wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, whose inner thoughts are voiced by Jennifer Aniston. Amber Sealey directed the film. “Ezra,” on the other hand, stars William A. Fitzgerald as the titular character, a young man with autism, alongside Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, and Robert De Niro.
Barden and Schnee released a joint statement expressing their fulfillment in casting for “Out of My Mind” and “Ezra.” They stated, “It’s richly satisfying to be part of the movement for inclusivity in our field and to play even a small role in helping actors get a shot at truly representing their unique selves on screen and enlightening and educating the rest of us along the way.”
Other Netflix projects recognized by the Ruderman Family Foundation include “Kaos,” “Heartbreak High,” and “Fool Me Once.”
“Representation is so deeply important. Growing up never seeing myself in any form of media led me to believe that I wasn’t supposed to be here, it led my peers to still believe in stereotyped, incorrect understandings of what autism is and isn’t. Correct representation isn’t just important to the individual, it’s a vital shift in our societal understanding of minority groups, where media often is people’s way of judging and understanding them,” shared Chloe Hayden, who portrays Quinni Gallagher-Jones on “Heartbreak High.”
FAQs:
Q: What are the films “Out of My Mind” and “Ezra” about?
A: “Out of My Mind” is a coming-of-age drama featuring a nonverbal wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, while “Ezra” is a dramedy about a young man with autism.
Q: Who are Kerry Barden and Paul Schnee?
A: Kerry Barden and Paul Schnee are renowned casting directors who have been recognized for their contributions to promoting disability inclusion in Hollywood.
Q: What is the Ruderman Family Foundation?
A: The Ruderman Family Foundation is an organization committed to promoting inclusion and understanding of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.
Q: What is the Seal of Authentic Representation?
A: The Seal of Authentic Representation is an honor bestowed by the Ruderman Family Foundation to films and series that accurately and authentically represent people with disabilities.
Credit: variety.com
