Full Access, a local non-profit serving individuals with disabilities, announces the 8th Annual Sprout Film Festival at the Tower Theater in Bend May 9. Sprout Film Festival of NYC will have showings in Bend Oregon on their annual tour.
People with disabilities continue to be marginalized in society. This extends to the arts, including film and video. Anthony Di Salvo, Founder and Executive Director of Sprout Film Festival focuses on inclusion into the Arts by providing a format to showcase the “abilities” of those with “disabilities.” The mission of the festival is to eliminate stereotypes, promote a greater acceptance of differences and to encourage an awareness of similarities. The festival will be at the Tower Theatre on May 9 including a matinee showing at 11:30am and an evening show at 7pm.
By presenting films of artistry and intellect, the festival hopes to reinforce accurate portrayals of people with developmental disabilities and expose the general public to important issues facing this population. People with developmental disabilities as subjects and performers remain marginalized in the media. The Sprout Film Festival aims to raise their profile by showcasing works of all genres featuring this population.
“We are happy to be able to combine entertainment with community education and the arts.” states Heather Hopkins-Slechta, Assistant Director for Full Access. “The vision of Anthony DiSalvo and his commitment to individuals with disabilities really comes through in his work creating the Sprout Film Festival.”
Full Access provides service to adults with disabilities throughout Central Oregon and Lane County and has partnered with The Sprout Film Festival to bring the tour to Oregon since 2006. Viewers can expect an enlightening and enjoyable experience, which not only entertains, but also helps to break down stereotypes. Full Access and Sprout partner to bring this unique experience to promote a greater acceptance of differences and awareness of similarities. We hope you’ll join us for this exceptional evening. Tickets are available for May 9 at the box office or at www.towertheatre.org.
About Sprout Film Festival
The Sprout Film Festival was founded in 2003 and is programmed and supported by Sprout, a NYC-based non-profit organization, dedicated to bringing innovative programming to people with developmental disabilities. In 2006 the Sprout Touring Film Festival was founded, enabling agencies throughout the US and Canada to bring the film festival to their town. Sproutflix, a site offering films from the festival for purchase was created in 2009.
About Full Access
Full Access envisions a world where equal access ensures that all people live, work, and recreate in their community, consistent with their preferences and choices. This is a world where partnerships thrive and support is a natural extension of community membership. In the Full Access vision, dreams are pursued through active community participation, choices, and advocacy. www.fullaccess.org
