2009 Superfest Classics Film Descriptions

Venues & Transportation Info

Press Release..-.. DOC PDF

Screening Schedule..-.. DOC. PDF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:Liane Yasumoto
510-845-5576
E-mail:[email protected]
Phone: 510-845-5576

SUPERFEST CLASSICS
Int'l. Disability Film Festival
Berkeley Public Library (Fri., June 5) and Gaia Arts Center (Sat., June 6)


13 Superfest Super Bests: Classic Disability Films to be showcased in Berkeley

Many people remember when they first saw the films “Disability Culture Rap” or “The Power of 504” and realized with great pride, yes, there are such things as disability culture and disability civil rights milestones. You never saw them? Well, here’s your chance to visit or revisit some classic films featuring disability history, artists, humor and leaders.

A two day program of Superfest Classics, selected films that won awards at prior Superfest competitions and have made an impact, will be presented June 5 and 6, by Culture!Disability!Talent!(CDT), the arts advocacy organization responsible for the international disability film festival known as Superfest.

“We have put together two classic programs,” said Liane Yasumoto, Superfest director, “one for kids, introducing them to disability issues with lighthearted but honest takes on school, sports, role models, poetry slams and the arts; and a second for adults, with emphases on history, art, humor and disability culture around the world. These are true classics, films we are asked about year after year.”

By popular demand, audience members will no longer have to give up their sunny Saturday afternoon to view Superfest films because for the first time, the Saturday slate of 8 films will be screened from 12-4 p.m. and repeated from 5-9 p.m. Yasumoto stated, “We want to give people the chance to either attend the evening screening and soak in the rays in the daytime, or attend the matinee and spend the night on the town.”

Superfest is the world's longest running international disability film festival, promoting films meeting the highest standards of artistic merit, diversity and authentic portrayals of the disability experience. 2009 marks the 27th year since CDT began sponsoring the unique festival, and the 12th time Superfest will be held in Berkeley, California.

The Superfest Kids Classics ( 5 films with breaks in between) is co-sponsored by the Berkeley Public Library and will be screened on Friday, June 5, 12-4 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St., 3rd Fl. Community Rm., Berkeley. The Superfest Adult (but still PG) Classics ( 8 films with a few breaks) will be screened on Saturday, June 6, 12-4 p.m. and repeated from 5-9 p.m., at the Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. The Friday Berkeley Library screening is FREE. The Saturday Gaia Arts Center screenings are $5-$20 sliding scale for afternoon OR evening. Tickets will be sold only at the door.

Both venues are wheelchair accessible. All films are captioned; both afternoon sessions (12-4 p.m.) will be audio-described. Braille and large print screening schedules are available. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided if requested by May 22. Please refrain from wearing perfume or other scented products.

For additional information, or to get a copy of the SUPERFEST CLASSICS screening schedule and full film descriptions, visit http://www.culturedisabilitytalent.org/superfest, or call the CDT voice mailbox at 510-845-5576.

Superfest Classics is sponsored by: Alameda County Arts Commission, Berkeley Public Library, California Arts Council, Gabriel Ledger, M.D., and the National Arts and Disability Center at the University of California Los Angeles. CDT is also currently funded by the City of Berkeley Civic Arts Program.


To schedule interviews or obtain DVD screeners, please contact Liane Yasumoto at 510-845-5576 or e-mail: [email protected]