Page 30 - Lauren Lolo Spencer Issue

Mark Whitley, Guest, Beatriz Mallory, Nancy Weintraub, Mark Bertrand, Nic Novicki and Maria Serrao
“I owe a huge debt to the Disability Film Challenge.” said Perez. “Nic [Novicki] creating this space where people can be seen, I can be seen. I can have communi- ty, I can connect with producers and writers and other actors. This community is so important to my success and to all of our success. As we become more success- ful, we’re then able to say, ‘Oh, I want to bring them along. I want to give a role to them. I want to give them an opportunity.’ We all get to rise together. That’s what’s really important.”
and wanting to get involved. Every year, the number of films just increased and increased. And you can tell that the excitement of wanting to be a part of the entertain- ment industry and really see ourselves is growing. And that’s what I love most about it.”
Trevonne added “The way I’ve seen it evolve is that so many more people are seeing themselves represented
On the films themselves, Nogueras said “I’m hoping that when other people view these films, they’ll see that there are stories that they weren’t aware of. It’ll open their minds, open their soul. They’ll start to get curious and get to know these people who just happen to have a disability, and that’s all. They’ll become more comfort- able and familiar, more welcoming, and provide more
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