disability through a whole new lens
home • about us • events • listserv • contact • keep the movies coming! DONATE NOW
|
Join disTHIS! for a special sneak preview of QUID PRO QUO, a contemporary psychological thriller set in New York City, prior to its theatrical release June 13th! QUID PRO QUO reveals the eye-opening subculture of "wannabes" -- able-bodied people who want to be disabled -- in writer-director Carlos Brooks' debut feature. In the film, Isaac (Carnivale’s Nick Stahl), a wheelchair-using public radio journalist, is assigned to cover the wannabes phenomenon. During his time with them he meets Fiona (Vera Farmiga), who may or may not have played a part in a life-changing incident in his past. But will his involvement with Fiona lead Isaac to answers about this underworld of seekers, or will their stormy association push him toward a more painful truth from his past? A mix between a comedy and psychological thriller, Director Brooks first conceived a wheelchair-using central figure in a film three years ago, but found it a struggle to create a compelling story. "The problem was I was making an assumption I was more comfortable with disability than I truthfully am," he says. But after discovering wannabes during a late night internet surf he knew he had found his movie. "In order to feel better they believe they need to be injured. I just found that so compelling," Brooks says. "In effect I think I had to become a wannabe in order to write truthfully the life of somebody who uses a wheelchair." Fully aware of the film's controversial subject matter, Brooks hopes the film causes discussion. "All I want is for the audience to be incredibly engaged by the story and I'd love it if they were debating it among themselves hotly as they walk out of the theater," he says. "I'd love that it provokes a stimulating conversation, a different way at looking at things." The Sundance Film Guide summed QUID PRO QUO up by saying: Quid Pro Quo does not celebrate or sensationalize the subculture it portrays but instead explores the human psyche and allows the audience to ask questions. Brooks takes us on a journey to explore our desires, find order in disorder, and exhume the need to restore normalcy to a society we find ourselves ostracized from.” disTHIS! movies, talkback sessions and related events are open to the public. June 4th screening is FREE to paid Disabilities Network members, $5 General Public. In English. ASL interpretation and audio description available upon request. Space is wheelchair accessible. There is a cash bar for drinks, but seating is limited to the first 65 people! Screenings are regularly filled to capacity. Call 212.284.4160 to reserve YOUR seat or email: disthis@dnnyc.net To sign up for regular email updates, please go to: Put the "diss" back in disability at a very "special" 2nd monthly disTHIS! screening June 18th: Fresh from their bombastic premiere at the SXSW Festival, disTHIS! is pleased to present the band dubbed "too hardcore for Radio 4" and the critically acclaimed documentary about them, Heavy Load! Did we mention they'll be giggin' too?
|
