As a writer and director, I have always been motivated by a desire to create stories that represent a diverse array of identities, particularly for children who are underrepresented in media. Growing up, I longed to see Black boys like myself reflected on screen, as well as a variety of other diverse characters that mirrored the world around me. This yearning guided me as I transitioned from poetry and prose to stage plays and television, ultimately leading me to co-write episodes for shows like “Work it Out Wombats” and “Karma’s World” that prioritized inclusive storytelling. However, I also noticed a lack of representation of disability in children’s media, particularly within communities of color, prompting me to self-publish a book called “The Most Beautiful Thing in the World” that explored progressive blindness in a young boy.
The inspiration for my animated short film, “Our Song,” stemmed from a conversation with a friend about the challenges her son Christopher, who was born with ectrodactyly, a rare congenital condition affecting the hands and feet, might face as he grew up. Christopher’s resilience and his mother’s fears for his future inspired me to create a story where disability was not a barrier, but simply a part of a vibrant life. Through “Our Song,” I aimed to challenge outdated notions of protection and freedom, inviting audiences to explore the delicate balance between shielding loved ones from harm and empowering them to embrace their identity. The film delves into the complexities of love, acceptance, and the courage required to navigate the world as a person with a disability.
Over the course of two years, I have collaborated with talented animators and researchers to bring “Our Song” to life as an animated film, with the goal of premiering it on the 2025 festival circuit. Through this project, I hope to not only provide children with messages of positivity and representation but also to offer parents of disabled children a sense of validation, empathy, and belonging. By depicting authentic family dynamics and experiences on screen, I aim to foster a greater understanding of the diverse lived experiences of families with disabilities, highlighting moments of strength, vulnerability, and resilience.
As a father myself, I am driven by a desire to tell a story of compassion and understanding that resonates with audiences of all ages. By challenging societal norms around disability and advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate world, I hope that “Our Song” will serve as a catalyst for change and empathy. Ultimately, I believe that by embracing stories that inspire empathy and unity, we can create a more inclusive society where every child feels seen and heard, and where disability is celebrated as a unique facet of humanity. Through storytelling, we can compose a melody of unity and understanding, allowing each child to find their own song and feel less alone in the world.
