Rentals
Disabled Britain on Film
From a rare portrait of the first spokesperson of the UK disability rights movement to a reimagining of becoming blind, this selection of mainly fictional films covers a range of representations of being disabled. Crucially, some of the films are authored by disabled people themselves, while others feature non-disabled actors taking on the role of a disabled character.
The idea of 'cripping up' - the equivalent of 'blacking up' - where a non-disabled actor takes on the role of a disabled person, is gaining ground in current debates about how disabled people want to be represented in film. Reflecting on the Oscar-winning performances of films like My Left Foot raises questions about what a rebooted version might look like, and whether the film industry needs to challenge itself about how to cast disabled actors into these kind of roles.
Graham Findlay (disability equality consultant)
Please note: titles in this collection may contain language or other content that reflect views prevalent in their time but that may cause offence today. They are included here for historical reasons and are in no way endorsed by the BFI or its partners.
DisabledDisabled
Documentary 1967 14 minsDirector: Vic Hughes
Paul Hunt, the Rosa Parks of the UK disability rights movement, talks about living in a disabling society.
Notes on BlindnessNotes on Blindness
Documentary 2016 87 minsDirector: James Spinney and Peter Middleton
James Spinney and Peter Middleton's highly original documentary uses cinematic interpretations and textured sound design to express a ‘world beyond sight.’
MandyMandy
Drama 1952 93 minsDirector: Alexander Mackendrick
Alexander Mackendrick's drama about a deaf girl and her unstable family life is remarkably unsentimental while still packing an emotional punch.
BehindertBehindert
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1974 98 minsDirector: Stephen Dwoskin
The account of a close, personal relationship as experienced by a disabled man.
The Possibilities Are EndlessThe Possibilities Are Endless
Documentary 2014 83 minsDirector: Edward Lovelace and James Hall
A moving and haunting account of singer Edwyn Collins’s long and difficult recovery from a stroke.
My Left FootMy Left Foot
Biopic 1989 103 minsDirector: Jim Sheridan
Daniel Day-Lewis won an Oscar for his extraordinary performance as Christy Brown, the disabled Dubliner who became a writer and painter.
Power in Our HandsPower in Our Hands
Documentary 2016 75 minsDirector: Angela Spielsinger
Ground-breaking documentary that uses archive film to tell the story of the British Deaf community’s fight for civil rights.
Trying to Kiss the MoonTrying to Kiss the Moon
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1994 96 minsDirector: Stephen Dwoskin
Autobiographical film by the veteran disabled experimental filmmaker, Steve Dwoskin.
FootstepsFootsteps
Drama 1974 33 minsDirector: Alan Parker
Mollie has been left with highly sensitive hearing after an attack. In her boarding house room she "witnesses" a murder by hearing strange footsteps.
OutcastsOutcasts
Drama 2008 25 minsDirector: Ian Clark
A girl in love, a pop star in peril and a gang on the run - watch it play out!
No FutureNo Future
Documentary 1958 13 minsDirector: Rollo Gamble
Despite the bleak title, there is some hope in this film about disabled schoolchildren.
The OutsiderThe Outsider
Medical drama 1939 91 minsDirector: Paul L. Stein
Paul L. Stein's gripping and romantic The Outsider features a famed osteopath (George Sanders) who treats a young disabled woman (Mary Maguire) with his unconventional methods - only to fall in love with her.
The Raging MoonThe Raging Moon
Drama 1971 112 minsDirector: Bryan Forbes
Sensitive and ground-breaking romance between couple who are both wheelchair users, played by Malcolm McDowell and Nanette Newman.
PolioPolio
Documentary 1958 13 minsDirector: Rollo Gamble
Daniel Farson meets people affected by polio in a series of studio interviews and a filmed report with a man paralysed after contracting the disease.
Some VoicesSome Voices
Comedy 2001 97 minsDirector: Simon Cellan Jones
Daniel Craig impresses in a tough but sensitive portrait of a man living with schizophrenia
EpilepticsEpileptics
Documentary 1958 14 minsDirector: Rollo Gamble
Daniel Farson interviews people affected by epilepsy and discusses the social stigma attached to the condition.
WalterWalter
Drama 1982 73 minsDirector: Stephen Frears
Ian McKellen stars in Stephen Frears' TV play as Walter, a man with learning difficulties who's put in an institution after the death of his mother.
Walter and JuneWalter and June
Drama 1983 65 minsDirector: Stephen Frears
Ian McKellen and Stephen Frears reunite for the sequel to their TV play Walter. The titular character (McKellen) meets a young mother (Sarah Miles) who is suicidally depressed; the two support one another to cope with life in a closed institution.
More Disabled Britain on Film in our Free collection