Wishing long time EDFC participant and supporter Anna Pakman a happy birthday! Her 2026 film BACK TO THE DARK AGES won the BEST AWARENESS award and she discusses how important it was for her to make a film addressing the issue of long-COVID and to “give light to people who feel very much left behind by the world today.” ID: @annatated sits facing the camera wearing a multicolored shirt. B-Roll images from her film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

This Friday we can’t wait for the theatrical release of BEING HEUMANN! We are encouraging our disability community to show up at the theater to show support for this important film. We’ll be gathering at the Laemmle in NoHo 7 for a watch party of the 1pm show. Purchase your ticekts in advance for that show or wherever it’s showing at a theater near you. We want to make sure to support this movie as it honors Judy Heumann and the leaders of the disablity rights movement who made the right to access possible for us to be included in society. The film directed by oscar-winner @sianheder.director will also be released on @appletv beginning November 13th. Spread the word! ID: @nicnovicki a little person in a black suit speaks to camera from the red carpet of the BEING HEUMANN movie premiere. #edfc2026 #beingheumann #watchparty #laemmlenoho7

Actor Eileen Grubba and talks about the impact the film challenge has had on the industry and getting people with disabilites seen and heard. ID: @EileenGrubba stands in a purple dress while getting interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

AJ Murray, Co-Star and Co-Director of the film WILL YOU CARRY ME says the film challenge gives us a chance "to be in the driver's seat of telling our own stories." ID: AJ sits in his wheelchair wearing a black dress shirt as he gets interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from his film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

Thank you to the MyAbilities Network SoCal @NBCUniversal for hosting a watch party event with our EDFC 2026 winners! We had a blast doing a Q & A with our filmmakers and executives followed by a screening of the films. ID: gallery of screens with people smiling within Microsoft Teams platform. #edfc2026 #easterseals #disabilityfilmchallenge #disabilityinfilm

Actor Sharilyn Vera talks about her expeirnce participating in the film VIVIAN PROBZ and being amongst friends and filmmakers ID: @sharilyn_vera stands in a black dress while getting interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from her film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

We had a great time at the 2026 EDFC Winner and Finalists screening at the amazing Newport Beach Film Festival. We got to hear from the festival’s co-founder and CEO Gregg Schwenk about film distribution, had a Q&A with EDFC filmmakers, and watched the films. Congrats to the filmmakers and thanks to NBFF for hosting us! ID: people with and without disabilities pose for a group photo at the theater and @nicnovicki holds up a certificate from @newportbeachfilmfest

Let’s give a huge congratulations to EDFC alumni Jennifer Msumba for winning THREE awards at the 2026 Heartland Film Festival for her film The Fish Don’t Care When It Rains. Jennifer worked hard on this incredible film that began as a short for the film challenge and turned it in to a feature during her time in our Adobe alumni grant program. She’s now the recipient of Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature, Documentary Audience Award and the Richard Propes Award from the Heartland Film Festival. We’re so proud of Jennifer and for the world to see this very important and powerful film. ID: Heartland Film Festival logo and THE FISH DON’T CARE WHEN IT RAINS winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature. Heartland Film Festival logo and THE FISH DON’T CARE WHEN IT RAINS winner of the Documentary Audience Award. Heartland Film Festival logo and THE FISH DON’T CARE WHEN IT RAINS winner of the Richard Propes Award. Jennifer Msumba poses on the red carpet with festival runners and filmmakers at the Heartland Film Festival. @jennifermsumba @fishdontcarefilm @heartlandfilm #EDFCalumni #successstories

Filmmaker Stephanie Castelete-Tyrrell talks about her participation working on the Best Awareness nominated film INTERUPPTIONS and that the EDFC is accessible to disabled filmmakers around the world. ID: Stephanie sits in her wheelchair in a pink sweater facing the camera as B-Roll images from her film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

Founder and Director of the EDFC Nic Novicki shares his excitement for a record-breaking year of 144 film submissions and the anticipation of announcing the winners at the 13th annual awards ceremony from @sonypictures . ID: @nicnovicki a little person in a black suit, gets interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

Actor Marissa Bode (WICKED) and Best Actor nominee for the film DEAD WIFE MONTAGE loves that the Film Challenge gives disabled filmmakers the confirmation of knowing “that we are talented and we do belong in the entertainment industry.” ID: @marissa_edob sits facing the camera in a light pink shirt and black headphones. B-Roll images from her film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

It's National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and we celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities contribute to workplaces and the economy. We're so proud of all our Film Challenge participants who are getting jobs in the entertainment industry and making a difference. Check out our 2026 awards show recap and watch the full show on our YouTube channel which highlights some of the best disabled filmmakers in the industry ! ID: recap video of clips from our awards show held at @sonypicturesstudios #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #DisabilityFilm #DisabilityStories #filmmakers #DisabilityRepresentation

We’re thrilled to announce that our 2026 winners and finalists will be screened at this year’s Newport Beach Film Festival on Monday, October 19 at 4:00pm. Tickets are available on the @newportbeachfilmfest website. We look forward to seeing you in Newport Beach where we get to reunite there since our 2026 finalist announcement! ID: Newport Beach Film Festival above a photo of a group of people with and without disabilities at the Lido theater under a marquee that reads “EDFC 2026, FINALIST ANNOUNCEMENT, NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL” the date October 19 @ 4pm overlays the image. #edfc2026 #newportbeachfilmfestival #disabillityfilmchallenge #eastersealssocal

Neurodivergent actor Ana Sharp is starring in the feature Rise And Shine alongside Rachel Bay Jones and Danny Burstein. The cast features a number of disabled actors in pivotal roles including Jordan Walker Ross, Analesa Fisher, and Jordan Nichole Wall. Rise And Shine will screen in AMC Theatres nationwide during National Disability Employment Awareness Month and will be available to stream on Angel soon after. riseandshinefilm.org/ ID: Stills from the film including… 1.Poster art from Rise and Shine film with a young girl with a backpack and her mother two embracing in a doorway to a colorful school theme environment. 2. A young woman talking to a man at a school. 3. Girl dancing with another at a school dance. 4. Close up of Ana sharp wearing glasses. 5. Three girls posing together in prom dresses. #edfcalumni #disabilityrepresentation #disabilityinfilm #riseandshinefilm

Congratulations to EDFC alumni Jennifer Msumba! Her film The Fish Don’t Care When It Rains which won our 2020 Best Film Award has been turned into a feature documentary! She used the Adobe EDFC Grant along with additional grants to complete a feature documentary, which will have its WORLD premiere during the Heartland Film Festival! We can’t wait for the world to see this incredibly impactful and important film! ID: 35th @heartlandfilm October 8-18 above movie poster of @fishdontcarefilm featuring @jennifermsumba looking off into the distance. #edfc2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #filmmaking #autism

Actor Kiersten Kelly (Jurassic Word: Chaos Theory) talks about her experience participating in the film VIVIAN PROBZ and the positive environment of the awards ceremony ID: @kierstenkelly stands in a black dress while getting interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from her film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

We’re excited for our 2026 winners and finalists to be screened at this year’s #oscar qualifying Heartland Film Festival on Sunday, October 12 at 7:00pm. Tickets are available on the @heartlandfilm website. Looking forward to seeing you in Indianapolis! ID: image of @heartlandfilm festival logo above a spotlight of Easterseals Disability Film Competition with the date and time #edfc #heartlandfilmfestival #disabillityfilmchallenge #eastersealssocal

Congratulations to Vincent Rutley and Chrissy Marshall, two EDFC winners who were selected from thousands of applicants into the highly competitive Sony Pictures Television Elevate program! Vincent did a fantastic acting job in his role last night and Chrissy was chosen to direct his scene which was screened for an audience of industry executives. We are so proud of our alumni and grateful to our partners at @sonypictures who push for disability representation within the entertainment industry. ID: 1. @chrissymarshall_ @vincentrutley @nicnovicki smile at the camera in front of the Sony Pictures logo at the Elevate Program showcase. @vincentrutley sits in his wheelchair on stage as he gets interviewed at the Elevate Program showcase. 3. @david.radcliff @thetalanderson @chrissymarshall_ @nicnovicki smile together at the camera in front of the ELEVATE Sony program sign. #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #DisabilityFilm #DisabilityStories #DisabilityInclusion

Actor Jo-Marie Lawrence from the Best Film nominee ZIPTIED shares why she participated in the film challenge for a 3rd time and how her community has grown from the experience. ID: @jomarielawrence sits in her wheelchair in a blue floral dress as she gets interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from her film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

Filmmaker Juan Arce from the Best Director and Best Awareness nominated film THE SHOOT was excited to make his film to spotlight actors with disabilities and to bring more awareness about the community to Mexico. ID: Juan sits in a gray shirt facing the camera. B-Roll images from his film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

We had a great time in Toronto at the St. Regis hotel where EDFC Participants in the area and cast and producers from BEING HEUMANN got to meet up and discuss the Film Challenge. Old friends got to catch up and new friends were made. We’re so grateful for the disability community and how connections are made all over the world. ID: Group of people with and without disabilities gather in the lounge at the St. Regis. #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #DisabilityFilm #DisabilityStories #DisabilityInclusion

BEING HEUMANN starring @ruthmadeley as Judy Heumann premieres TONIGHT as the opening film of the @tiff_net !!! This film has so many talented disabled actors involved including film challenge participants and our director and founder @nicnovicki . The film is directed by Oscar winner @sianheder.director and scheduled for a Nov 13th release on @appletv and select theaters on November 6. Definitely go check out this film about Judy Heumann and how she led a movement of disability revolution in America. ID: Ruth Madeley as Judy Heumann, looks at a crosswalk sign change from Don’t Walk to Walk. Title card: Apple Original Films. Judy introduces herself as she calls multiple politicians. Title card: FROM SIÂN HEDER. A politician played by Mark Ruffalo exclaims, “They’re not asking for a place on a bus…” Title card: DIRECTOR OF ACADEMY AWARD WINNING BEST PICTURE CODA. The politician continues, “...they’re asking for a whole new bus!” Judy tells people to move as she and her allies occupy a federal building. Title cards: OPENING NIGHT TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL and BASED ON A TRUE STORY but “story” is crossed out and replaced with “revolution.” Judy tells fellow disabled activists that they are not the problem, the stairs are the problem. Judy flips off a bus that honks at her in the street. Title cards: BEING HEUMANN, SCREENPLAY BY SIÂN HEDER & REBEKAH TAUSSIG, DIRECTED BY SIÂN HEDER, IN SELECT THEATERS NOV 6 STREAMING NOV 13 and the colorful Apple TV logo.

EDFC participant Jorge Urey joined us on the carpet and talks about why he thinks the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge is important. ID: @jorgeurey stands in a blue and white shirt as he gets interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

Marisa Hamamoto from the Best Editor nominated film BEFORE I DIE talks about the importance of “being able to showcase disability as something beautiful...” ID: @marisahamamoto stands in a bright pink suit as she gets interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from her film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

The film Where Did the Adults Go? @wdtagfilm is now Now streaming on Apple, Amazon & Kinema. Congrats to EDFC participant Carey Leigh Cox @careyleighcox for her lead role and everyone who contributed to disability representation in making this film! Support by watching and sharing! Video: Carey, a woman with long red hair wearing jacket and pants sits in her wheelchair while pulling out pages from an open book on her lap. #WDTAG #CareyCox #disabilityrepresentation

Jamie Nieto, 2x Olympian and actor, joined us on the carpet and talks about his first time attending the EDFC awards show! ID: @jamienieto sits in his wheelchair wearing a gray suit as he gets interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

Janine Anne Uyanga from Best Editor nominated film DEAD WIFE MONTAGE, describes their feelings on being a part of the film team and at the awards show. ID: @janinestagram stands in a gray and white shirt and gets interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from the film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

Filmmaker Brett Maline (VIVIAN PROBZ, WRONG GUY) discussed the reasons his film VIVIAN PROBZ focused on the inconveneicne of inaccessiblity and “”how much better it is when you have accessiblity at your party.” ID: @breezy__f__baby stands in a black shirt while getting interviewed at the 2026 EDFC awards show. B-Roll images from his film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

We are so grateful to @hollyshorts for another amazing #EDFC day at the 22nd anniversary of @theacademy #award qualifying festival! The day started out with us hosting a panel on “Authentic Casting” in partnership with @csacasting, followed by a networking reception. We had so many film challenge participants attend the panel, reception and our screening of the 2026 EDFC winning films at the @chinesetheatres later in the day! It was incredible to be networking and learning together among so many high profile casting directors and filmmakers! Image Description: 1. Group shot of Film Challenge participants at the “Authentic Casting” panel @loewshollywood . 2. Group shot of @nicnovicki with the panelists on stage at @loewshollywood . 3. Group of people on the red carpet at the @chinesetheatres for the EDFC 2026 winning films screening. #castingsociety #edfc2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge hollyshorts castingsocietycares photos: @charlieminhnguyen

Emmy-nominated actor Tal Anderson (The PITT) presented at our awards show and shared her feelings about why she continues to particpate in the film challenge. Thanks for your support and congrats on your Emmy nomination, Tal! ID: @thetalanderson stands in a floral dress and jacket while getting interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from her film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

This Saturday following our panel with @csacasting we’ll be screening our 2026 winning films at the Hollyshorts Film Festival at 2:30pm at the world-famous @chinesetheatres. Congrats to the filmmakers and film challenge participants from the films “Don’t Forget to Dance” (Best Film - Tim Bartow), “The Ticket” (Best Director - Jayla Hodge, Jaylin Hodge, Jerah Milligan; Best Editor - Tony Pape), “Neighborhood Watch” (Best Actor - Vincent Rutley), “Crip Club” (Best Writer - Shan Hafez, Aya Obeid), “Back to the Dark Ages” (Best Awareness - Anna Pakman). Tickets available via @HollyShorts and we hope to see you there! ID: Poster of the 2026 winning films including key art from each film. #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #DisabilityFilm #DisabilityStories #DisabilityInclusion

Join us Saturday, August 22 for a full day of #EDFC at @hollyshorts ! Doors open at 11am to catch our AUTHENTIC CASTING panel with @csacasting followed by a networking reception and then in the afternoon EDFC winning film screenings at @chinesetheatres . Get tickets today at Hollyshorts.com! Can’t wait to see you there! ID: poster for CASTING AUTHENTICALLY CONVERSATION & RECEPTION. Black background with white and orange text including SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 @ 12pm. Headshots of panelists include Grace Wu, Libby Thomas Dickey, Seth Caskey @sethcaskey , Tiffany Little Canfield @tlcnyc and moderator David Daniel of @cnn #hollyshorts #edfc #csa #filmfestival

Best Actor winner Vincent Rutley from the film NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH says the film challenge “puts us in a position to actually respect and appreciate every aspect of filmmaking.” Vincent was also recently selected for the Sony Pictures Television Actors Fellowship 2026. Congrats, Vincent! ID: @vincentrutley sits in his wheelchair in a gray shirt as he gets interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from the film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

Actor Vedanten Naidoo (THE BLUFF) and director Frank E. Flowers (THE BLUFF) presented at our awards show and talk about the impact of “seeing so many disabled people in the industry working together…” ID: @vedantennaidoo stands in a white shirt that reads “I’m Not What You See” next to @franke.flowers in a suit as they get interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

Wren Brooks, Best Director nominee for the film DEAD WIFE MONTAGE, shares her thoughts on what will create more disability liberation. ID: @wrennbrooks sits in their wheelchair wearing a taupe patterned shirt while getting interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from the film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

Oscar-winning director Siân Heder (CODA) presented at the awards show and talks about the more that disabled filmmakers are able showcase their talent, “the more the community is going to start to infitrate Hollywood.” We can’t wait for her next film “Being Heumann”, a bio pic of @theheumannperspective which will be released this fall and has an authentically disabled cast and features many film challenge participants ! ID: @sianheder.director stands in a brown and black pattered dress as she gets interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals

Filmmaker Jaylin Hodge from the Best Director and Best Editor winning film THE TICKET discusses the need for more representation and her first time being at the awards show. ID: @jaylindhodge stands in a red dress and jacket as she gets interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from her film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

Actor Danny Gomez from the Best Film and Best Writer finalist film AMOR FATI discusses how he’s been a long time participant in the film challlenge and “it’s important because it gets us seen to the people that don’t know that we’re out there.” ID: @dannyjgomezofficial is wearing a black suit sitting in his wheelchair as he gets interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from the film and awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

We’re so excited for the Disabilities, Representation and Film event at the Academy Museum next Saturday, July 25th! Film Challenge participants Tal Anderson, Coby Bird, and Jennifer Msumba will be showcasing their films to represent filmmakers with Autism. Tickets are free with museum admission. Film section schedule is below. Hope to see you there! 11am | Short films by neurodivergent filmmakers | Accessible screening | David Geffen Theater Three short films by neurodivergent filmmakers from the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge and Marvels of Media. Screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. A sensory-friendly screening with open captions, dimmed lights, and lower volume for neurodivergent viewers. Free with general admission. •Breaking Normal | DIRECTED BY: Jessica Cabot | WRITTEN BY: Nicole Betz | WITH: Tal Anderson, Anthony Purnell, Vickie Anderson | 2024 | 6 min. | USA | Color | English | DCP •The Question | DIRECTED/WRITTEN BY: Coby Bird | WITH: Coby Bird | 2023 | 4 min. | USA | Color | English | DCP •The Fish Don’t Care When It Rains | DIRECTED/WRITTEN BY: Jennifer Msumba | WITH: Jennifer Msumba | 2020 | 5 min. | USA | Color | English | DCP ID: @academymuseum logo above a photo of @nicnovicki and two others on a panel above text that reads Disabilities Representation and Film 2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #academymuseum #autism #disabilitiesandfilm

Actor Angel Giuffria from the Best Film nominee ZIPTIED says film challenge is ”..so important right now as a way to showcase disabled cretives.” Thanks for all your support, Angel! ID: @aannggeellll stands in a green dress with a black prostehtic arm as she gets interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from her film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

Actor Harold Foxx from the Best Director and Best Editor winning film THE TICKET discusses what makes the film challenge awards show unique. ID: Harold stands in a black shirt signing in ASL as he gets interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from his film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

Actor Wilmer Valderrama (NCIS) a presenter who joined us on the awards show carpet says, “...nowadays, audiences understand what’s real and what’s not”. We agree! Thanks for your support, Wilmer! ID: @wilmervalderrama stands in a black suit getting interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

Steven Charles-Ching from the Best Awareness nominated film I WILL BE FINE says the Film Challenge allows for a place of authetic stories to be told from disabled storytellers. ID: @zhatdude stands in a white suit getting interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from his film and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

Actor and presenter Diana Elizabeth Jordan (The PITT) shares her thoughts about the diversity and talent that exisits within the disability community. ID: @fromtheheartdej stands in a pink and black dress while getting interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

Best Actor nominee Jessy Yates talks about the impact the EDFC has had on the entertainment industry and the recognition of disabled talent. ID: @jessyyates wears a green dress and sits in her wheelchair getting interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from her film VIVIAN PROBZ and the awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

July is Disability Pride Month! We are honored that our Film Challenge participants have so much pride for their films. We're proud to see how the disability community has embraced us and all those involved. This is another incredible year of workshops, screenings, and events we are so proud to implement. We're thrilled to see many opporutnities coming to these particpants. Help us spread the word about all the taent in the community. Visual description: Various people with disabilities inside the Cary Grant theater @SonyPictures #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #DisabilityFilm #DisabilityStories

Yesterday we had a meet up event in New York City for film challenge finalists and participants that live in the tri-state area. We love having our #edfc family together in the big apple. #disabilitypride #edfc2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals Photo description: A group of Easterseals Disability Film Challenge participants sit and stand outside in New York City.

Joe Guintu from the Best Film and Best Writer finalist film AMOR FATI talks about the impact media has on culture and disability visability. ID: @jguintu wearing a black suit sitting in his wheelchair gets interviewed at the awards show. B-Roll images from the film and awards show are interspersed throughout. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardshow

We’re so thankful to all of the mentors who meet with our winners and provide feedback and advice to our participants. Special shout out to Phil Lord & Chris Miller and Peter Farrelly who have been long term mentors, supporters, hired film challenge participants on their projects, and presented at our awards ceremony this year! ID: LR- @chrizmillr @phillordy @peterfarrellybrother stand behind @nicnovicki on the carpet at the 2026 EDFC awards show #grateful #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #awardsshow2026

We’re so grateful for our partnership with Sony and the work and opportunities they provide our Film Challenge participants and the disability community. Repost @sonypictures —- #SonyPics’ accessibility and disability inclusion Employee Business Resource Group, EMBRACE hosted the “Everyday Inclusion On Screen & On Set” panel focused on the power of inclusive storytelling and representation, exploring the importance of authentic casting, nuanced characters, and challenging stereotypes. A networking happy hour and performance by Jazz Hands for Autism followed. Featured speakers included Sony Pictures casting leaders Amanda Richards (VP, Casting, Sony Pictures Television) and Libby Thomas Dickey (Head of Casting, Sony Pictures Animation), alongside actor, comedian, producer, and Easterseals Disability Film Challenge founder Nic Novicki and was moderated by Nadya Ichinomiya (VP, Finance – Agility & Change Enablement, Sony Pictures). #Inclusion #Accessibility #DisabilityInclusion #AuthenticRepresentation

PJ Germain and Marisa Hamamoto from BEFORE I DIE pose at the 2026 EDFC Awards. Congrats to being a finalist for Best Editor and thanks to your entire team for making a great film! ID: people with invisible disabilities pose on an orange carpet in front of the step and repeat at the 2026 EDFC Awards. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #dramedy

Cast and crew from CRIP CLUB pose at the 2026 EDFC Awards. Congrats to being winners for Best Writer (Aya Obeid and Shan Hafez) and thanks to all for making a great film! ID: people with and without disabilities pose on an orange carpet in front of the EDFC awards step and repeat. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals

The cast and crew from THE TICKET pose on the Orange Carpet at the 2026 EDFC Awards. Congrats to being finalists for Best Film and Best Writer and for winning Best Director (Jayla Hodge, Jaylin Hodge and Jerah Milligan) and Best Editor (Tony Pape) and thanks to all for making a great film! ID: people with and without disabilities pose on an orange carpet in front of the EDFC awards step and repeat. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #dramedy

Aly Corvin from RECLAIMING poses on the Orange Carpet at the 2026 EDFC Awards. Congrats to being a finalist for the Best Awareness Campaign and thanks to all for making a great film! ID: Wheelchair user @aly.corvin poses on an orange carpet in front of the EDFC awards step and repeat. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #dramedy

Cast and crew from NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH pose together at the 2026 EDFC Awards. Congrats to being finalists for Best Director (Vincent Rutley) and winning Best Actor (Vincent Rutley) and thanks to all for making a great film! ID: people with and without disabilities pose on an orange carpet in front of the step and repeat at the 2026 EDFC Awards. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #dramedy

Cast and crew from BE RIGHT OUT pose at the 2026 EDFC Awards. Congrats to being finalists for Best Actor (Colin Miller) and thanks to all for making a great film! ID: people with and without disabilities pose on an orange carpet in front of the step and repeat at the 2026 EDFC Awards. #EDFCAwards #EDFC2026 #disabilityfilmchallenge #easterseals #dramedy