From
The Mobility Resource in 2012. Read an August 2013 interview with Jenni Gold in
here in Studio Daily.
Who is Jenni Gold?
Film director Jenni Gold has a new film coming out this spring CinemAbility, a documentary exploring how Hollywood has portrayed people with disabilities. (The film premiered July 26, 2013.)
“I love film and TV, and I was curious how the portrayals have
affected society’s understanding. But as CinemAbility developed it
became more about inclusion. When different types of people are
represented, it affects your understanding of those people. For better
or worse and that in turn influences the inclusion of people who may be
outside the norm.”
What is her contribution?
Gold is the co-producer, co-writer and director. She also used her
vast Hollywood connections and researched decades of Hollywood history
to tell this important story. Ben Affleck, Jane Seymour, Adam Arkin,
Marlee Matlin, Beau Bridges and Peter Farrelly are among the many
celebrities and industry professionals contributed their talents to the
project.
“This was a seven-year labor of love,” she said. “ Hollywood ’s been
supportive of the film. Everyone was very giving of their
time. Different companies helped us along the way, and people lent their
support and advice.”
Why TMR thinks she is a #MobilityMover and Shaker:
Gold went way back in time to make her movie, discussing Susan
Peters, who starred in the film noir “Sign of the Ram” in the 40s after
an accident that caused her to begin using a wheelchair.
“She was going to be the next big star, so after the accident, it was
so impressive that she returned to the big screen,” Gold said.
The 60s TV series “Ironside,” starring Raymond Burr, was also a groundbreaking example of the power of images.
“It was very progressive even by today’s standards,” she said. “It
was a positive portrayal of a person with a disability who was still
active and successful. The show is also a good example of how what we
see influences us. After the show would air each week and the public saw
Ironside using an accessible vehicle, I’m told that The Braun Corporation’s phones would ring off the hook due to people wanting a similar transportation capability.”
Outlook for the future:
Gold’s movie, CinemAbility, is scheduled to debut in April. Gold is deciding where to have her premiere.
“My goal is for word of mouth to spread – this movie is interesting
and entertaining. It’s a fun ride, and I hope it will be driven
by people’s interest in film and TV history as well as this important
topic.”
