Harder Than You Think & P&G Studios Partner On Disability Equality-Paralympics Doc ‘Phoenix Rising: A New Revolution’
22.06.2023 - 14:19
/ deadline.com
EXCLUSIVE: Harder Than You Think (HTYT), the company behind Emmy-winning Paralympic documentary Rising Phoenix, and P&G Studios are partnering on a new film spinning off the original work and aimed at igniting a conversation on disability equality.
L.A.-based writer and filmmaker Sheridan O’Donnell is attached to direct the documentary, working titled Rising Phoenix: A New Revolution.
He will chronicle his own story as a low vision filmmaker and his personal journey as he grows to embrace life with a disability.
In addition to the story of the director and several Paralympic athletes, the film will go beyond sport to spotlight the experiences of various entertainers, activists, influencers and world leaders.
In the process, it will explore a number of topics around the subject of disability equality including the fight for employment, the importance of representation, changing the image of disability, cultural attitudes, inclusion and the need for accessibility and rights.
“Three and a half years ago when I became disabled, I was afraid. Not of how I see myself, but how the world might now see me. Now I’m proud to be disabled. That change came from immersing myself in the profound yet untold stories from our community,” said O’Donnell.
“This film will aim to transform the way we see disability, bridge the gap between the disabled and non-disabled people and push for a more inclusive and equitable world.”
The original 2020 Rising Phoenix film followed the stories of nine Paralympians. After its launch in 190 territories in August 2020, it was feted at the Sports Emmy Awards in 2021 with Outstanding Long Sports Documentary and Outstanding Music Direction.
HTYT followed up the feature-length film with three-part