Oska Bright is the world’s first and only festival of short films made by people with learning disabilities – that is produced, managed and presented by a learning disabled team.
2013 is the sixth edition of this biennial festival and looks set to be the biggest and most extraordinary yet with more entries than ever before from more countries. In total fifty seven films from the UK, Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Germany and Canada are being shown.
For Becky Bruzas and Jason Eade, selecting films to include in the Oska Bright Film Festival brings joy and pain in equal measure.
The decision making process for the team can be fraught.
“We have long and often rather lively discussions about the content, production values and audience appeal of the submitted films. The festival runs for three days with different categories of films, screened in timed sessions. This year we had several films with adult content, so we have put these into an evening slot.”
“It is important that people can choose the sort of films they want to see” adds Jason. “We also have Films That Make Us Laugh, Films About People and Spooky Films.”
Oska Bright is not just about getting the work of these artists into the public eye. It promotes a completely inclusive approach to the arts. There are opportunities for networking, for seeing the latest digital art and for participation.
The “Oskas” are made by Andy Kee, who is a tireless advocate for artists and makers with learning disabilities. “The festival gives people with learning disabilities a chance to show what is important in their lives – their hopes and their fears.”
The Festival culminates in an awards ceremony with winners announced on the spot by guests from the film industry, parliament and the arts.
Oska Bright celebrates the artistic achievements of people with learning disabilities and demonstrates the independence and creativity of this community. Now, perhaps more than ever, this Festival is of value to society – bringing people in, from ‘out there.’
Oska Bright is managed, produced and presented by people with learning disabilities. It is a Carousel project, in partnership with Junk TV. Carousel is a charity that has pioneered learning-disability arts for over thirty years.
WHAT: Oska Bright Film Festival
WHERE: Brighton Dome’s Corn Exchange, Church Street, Brighton
WHEN: Sunday November 17 to Tuesday November 19
Tickets £12 festival pass or £3 per screening session
For full schedule, venue information and tickets, CLICK HERE:
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