As a writer and director, personal experiences and aspirations drive many of the stories that I create, particularly focusing on representing underrepresented groups, especially children of color, on screen. Growing up, I rarely saw characters that looked like me, so I made it a priority to prioritize inclusive storytelling in my work. This commitment led me to co-write episodes for children’s shows like “Work it Out Wombats” and “Karma’s World,” which depicted diverse characters and narratives. However, I also noticed a lack of representation of disability in storytelling, especially in communities of color, prompting me to self-publish a book titled “The Most Beautiful Thing in the World” about a boy dealing with progressive blindness.
Inspired by a close friend’s fears for her son, who was born with ectrodactyly, a rare condition affecting the hands and feet, I crafted “Our Song,” an animated short film that explores the complexities of disability and the delicate balance between protection and empowerment. The story follows a father who wants to shield his son from the challenges he anticipates due to his disability, but ultimately realizes that he may be hindering his son’s growth. By depicting characters with disabilities authentically and compassionately, I hope to not only provide children with positive messages but also validate the experiences of parents of disabled children, fostering empathy and belonging.
Over the course of two years, I have collaborated with talented animators and researchers to bring “Our Song” to life, with the goal of showcasing the transformative power of love and acceptance. By challenging outdated notions of protection and freedom, the film aims to create a more inclusive and compassionate world where disability is celebrated as a facet of humanity rather than a barrier. As a father myself, I hope to resonate with audiences of all ages and inspire empathy and change through storytelling that highlights the complexities of life with a disability.
As we prepare to debut “Our Song” at the 2025 festival circuit, my ultimate goal is to make children feel less alone and enlighten parents on the importance of love and acceptance in raising children with disabilities. Through stories that inspire unity and understanding, we can create a world where every child, regardless of their abilities, can find their own unique song. By embracing narratives that showcase diverse experiences and perspectives, we can foster a sense of validation and empathy while promoting a culture of inclusivity and compassion. Disabled children deserve to see themselves represented authentically and positively in media, and “Our Song” aims to contribute to this important mission.
