Buggy Off film premiere
Monday 6 March 2017
For immediate release
Film by local wheelchair user premieres ahead of Disabled Access Day
A short film about the challenges faced by disabled people when trying to access public transport will screen as part of film showings at cinemas across Edinburgh during Disabled Access Day this weekend (10-12 March).
The short film will be launched by Edinburgh based charity get2gether, who work with almost 500 disabled adults in Edinburgh and the Lothians by organising social events and encouraging members to take initiative.
Created by get2gether Member and Ambassador Karen Sutherland with the support of Media Education, Buggy Off, is based on one of Karen’s many experiences and highlights issues faced by wheelchair users in using public transport to get around.
Karen said, ‘Buggy Off isn’t simply an access film. I felt the power had been taken away from me and my rights too and people made judgements. I want to encourage viewers to explore how they would feel in such a situation’.
get2gether Chief Executive Marion Smith said, ‘It is hugely important for get2gether to empower adults with disabilities and we have supported Karen in the making of this film. We hope to encourage a greater understanding about how difficult it can be for disabled people to get out and about and we’d like to get the attention of as many people as possible so that the next time a wheelchair user is facing a challenging situation, people will hopefully remember this film. There have been cases in the press recently and this Disabled Access Day, we wanted to really highlight some of the challenges that our members face on a daily basis. We are very grateful that a number of transport providers are attending the launch and look forward to working with them to improve both access and attitudes to access. We’re also deeply appreciative of the Cameo and the Filmhouse for showing the film and getting the word out.’
The film will launch at Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh on Wednesday 8 March before screening ahead of films at the Cameo and Filmhouse over the weekend, in a bid to raise awareness and foster greater understanding amongst the general public, public transport providers, and other stakeholders.
Buggy Off can be viewed on www.get2gether.org.uk
Press are welcome to attend the launch on Wednesday at 5pm, which will include a Q+A, photo and interview opportunities.
For more information, contact Marion Smith on 07867 179023.
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Notes to Editors:
- get2gether is an Edinburgh based charity that believes that everyone has the right to love and friendship, and that people meeting each other should be easy, fun and accessible. The charity arranges social activities for adults with disabilities in safe and friendly places in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
- get2gether is supported by the Scottish Government and Big Lottery Fund.
- Disabled Access Day began in 2015 and is sponsored by Euan’s Guide, a listing and review site that aims to empower disabled people by providing information that will give confidence and choices for getting out and about.
- Media Education is an independent film production and media training organisation. We provide practical person-centred film and radio training for people to develop media literacy skills and build the confidence, communication and resilience needed to bring about positive change in their lives and communities.
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