About this Short Film
Emily Ford-Halliday’s Fashion in the Dark I (United Kingdom, 2019) is a short film that explores perception, touch and the ways we make sense of the world. It considers themes of blindness and Braille alongside questions of individual viewpoint and sensory experience. The film offers a fresh, respectful perspective for a young adult audience and fits naturally within the Focus on Ability festival’s aim to celebrate the abilities and stories of people with disability. Expect a quietly observant work that invites reflection rather than prescription. It is a thoughtful addition to a programme committed to widening how we see and understand sensory difference.
Film Details
Film Transcript
When I lost my sight I found it difficult and frustrating to find my own clothes independently. I used to wear my old clothes because they were worn, familiar and I remembered what they looked like.
I think my style was influenced by the way I used to dress when I could see. Someone might say what a piece of clothing looks like, but what's more important is the texture of the clothing. My sense of touch is more important because my sense of sight has disappeared.
I use my sense of touch to navigate through doors, corridors and places that are crowded. I also use my sense of touch to read Braille and find clothes in my wardrobe.
I don't like textures that are velvety or rough; I prefer textures that are soft, like fleece or feathers. I can feel the fleece when I touch it; the sleeves feel delicate when you touch them. I can tie my favourite pair of jeans because they are easy to handle — they're smooth until I get to the knee, which is ripped, like it's been cut with scissors.
Now I feel more independent when choosing my clothes because I feel confident to express my own style.
Filmmaker
Emily Ford-Halliday is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Emily Ford-Halliday.
