New Australian Film Explores Life & Sexuality of Woman with Cerebral Palsy
The following story is excerpted from an article by Stephanie Kantor, featured in the Winter/Spring issue of Resourceful Woman, a newsletter to promote "Women with Disabilities Striving toward Health & Self-Determination," published by the Health Resource Center for Women with Disabilities, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Room 106, 345 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611.
Dance Me To My Song was written by and stars Heather Rose, an Australian actress and writer who has cerebral palsy. In life and in the film she uses a voice board attached to her power wheelchair. Directed by Rolf de Heer, as guided by Rose's vision, the film was selected for the 1998 Cannes Festival.
The opening scenes catapult the viewer into the devastating relationship between Julia, played by Rose, and Madelaine, her abusive and tragic personal care attendant. Julia is at the mercy of Madelaine's moods to get out of bed, go to the toilet, shower, etc. and Madelaine is a hostile caregiver at best . . .The dynamics of their relationship are tested further when Julia grows attached to Eddie, a mysterious character she pulls in off the street one day after being abandoned by Madelaine . . . a love triangle ensues . . .
Capturing the complex, often brutal struggle for respect, independence and intimacy, this is a film that encompasses the disability experience from a disability perspective. Boldly exploring Julia's sexuality, frankly exposing caregiver abuse . . . it doesn't shy away from issues or images that some people may find difficult to watch.
Though the film made its way to festivals throughout the USA, it does not yet have an American distributor and unfortunately is not available on video at this time. The Health Resources Center for Women with Disabilities helped to bring the film to Chicago audiences for the 19th "Women in the Director's Chair" International Film & Video Festival in March.
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