About this Short Film
Rachel Handler’s Andy & Kaliope (United States, 2022) is presented in our Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival. The film raises questions about perception, inclusion and the everyday realities faced by people with disability. Themes include cerebral palsy, congenital disability, stigma and stereotypes, alongside ideas of imagination and superhero identity. It offers a thoughtful, human perspective that encourages audiences to reconsider assumptions and to value different viewpoints. Short and incisive, Andy & Kaliope sits comfortably within a programme that celebrates ability and highlights the achievements and lived experiences of people with disability. It is a valuable prompt for conversation and reflection.
Film Details
Film Transcript
Thanks, Cole. We really pulled off a miracle here.
That's what I do. Hey, Andy, mind if I join you? You're really good at drawing.
I'm just coloring in the lines better than I could. A lot to get your new book soon?
Superheroes, of course. Where'd you get these?
Your new foster mom is really excited to meet you.
Hey! Hey! It's not fair. I want to go home.
You're right—it's not fair. But look at these superheroes. Their lives weren't very fair either.
What do you mean?
They had to go through some pretty painful experiences to gain their powers.
Yeah, I guess being a superhero is hard work. That's always being a kid. So maybe you've already got some superpowers you didn't even know about.
Maybe. What's wrong?
What if there's villains at the new foster home? Could I defeat them?
You can always call for backup. Someone like me or Cole could be like your goofy sidekicks if things get tough, and you always have these guys.
Who's that?
She's the most powerful of all. She can read minds, has eyes on the back of her head, and can run faster than a cheetah. I call her Calliope.
Wow. She was from my mom?
Good to go. Actually, why don't you hang on to that one—squeeze her if you need some extra superpowers.
He wakes me. I sent you.
I feel like we need a secret handshake or something.
Yeah, maybe.
Hi, Jamie. Rebecca—Jamie's here.
Hey, kid, come on. Look—awesome castle. These guys needed somewhere cool to live.
And how's Calliope?
She's training these newbies. They need a lot of work, but we're getting there, we're getting there.
Meet me underwater. Meet me in the stars at night. Meet me in your daydreams where the shadows snuff the light. I know that you're waiting, waiting on a song, imaginary promises—that's where it won't be long, Sunday's.
Filmmaker
Rachel Handler is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Rachel Handler.
Wow this is beautiful continue the good work
Thank you for sharing our film