About this Short Film
"Sports Our Power for Change" by Fitina Kaunda (Malawi, 2019) explores how sport shapes perceptions and challenges stigma among young people. Screened as part of the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, it looks at group dynamics, inclusion and stereotypes through the lens of teenagers and children. Rather than offering a single story, it raises questions about viewpoint and prejudice, inviting audiences to reconsider assumptions about ability and belonging. Warm and direct in tone, this short complements the festival's programme by highlighting the potential of sport to build community and shift attitudes. A compact, thought-provoking piece that prompts conversation long after the screening.
Film Details
Film Transcript
The exclusion, both economic and social, is part of the daily lives of persons with disabilities. This exclusion is a breach of human rights and a major challenge to development. The rich diversity of our society requires inclusivity of all its members, including persons with disabilities. Inclusivity helps to strengthen fundamental human rights and contributes to development for all.
Thanks to the concept of sports for disability that is now taking root in Malawi, learners with visual impairment at Montfort Demonstration Primary School in Inglewood demonstrate that blind football promotes development in all areas on an equal basis to achieve a learning environment for all. In 2020 a charity introduced other games at the Montfort demonstration premises as a tool to foster inclusion. This reduces the stigma and discrimination associated with disability because it transforms attitudes of learners without disability about learners with disability by highlighting their skills and reducing the tendency to see the disability instead of the ability of a fellow learner.
Through blind football, goalball and other games, learners with disabilities interact with fellow learners in a positive environment. Playing together in the games allows learners without disability to reshape assumptions about what learners with disabilities can and cannot do. The unique ability of sports to transcend language, culture and social values makes it an excellent platform for strategies of inclusion and adaptation.
It is noticeable that blind football and sports games have the power to change the lives of persons with disabilities in an equal and empowering way by enabling them to realise their full potential and advocate for change in society through sports. Persons with disabilities acquire important social skills, develop independence and become empowered to act as agents of change. Sports teaches individuals how to communicate effectively and highlights the significance of teamwork, cooperation and respect for others. Sports is also well suited to reduce dependency and develop greater resilience by helping persons with disabilities become physically and mentally stronger. These skills can be transferred into other arenas, including employment and advocacy work, to favour self-sufficiency.
Filmmaker
Fitina Kaunda is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Fitina Kaunda.
Great job..... Well done indeed
Great work
Wow Nice.
Great job on showcasing disability not being inability. Well done indeed
This is appealing.
This is the reality
True reflection of what's on the ground.