Access: Horror Virtual Film Festival Sheds Light on Disability by ‘Centering Ableism as the Horror Rather Than Disability’

The Access: Horror Virtual Film Festival has launched with a focus on reframing the portrayal of disability in cinema. The event aims to shift the narrative by positioning ableism as the primary source of horror, rather than the disability itself. This approach seeks to challenge traditional tropes that have historically marginalized disabled perspectives within the genre.

The festival was founded by Ariel Baska, who transitioned into the film industry after a 15-year career in education. Baska’s initiative was prompted by personal experiences with physical barriers and systemic exclusion within the industry, which highlighted the practical difficulties faced by disabled professionals when attempting to access traditional creative spaces.