About this Short Film
Becca Schall’s Forced Perspective (United States, 2025) is a short film presented at the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival. It explores themes of perception and viewpoint, and how stigma, stereotypes and prejudice affect people with intellectual, cognitive, sensory and physical disabilities. Rather than outlining a specific plot, the film invites viewers to consider change, inclusion and group dynamics from multiple angles. Its tone is thoughtful and direct, speaking to young adults and broader audiences alike. Forced Perspective sits comfortably in this year’s programme, offering a compact, reflective piece that highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing abilities, experiences and achievements.
Film Details
Film Transcript
Senator McCarrick. Oh, I am aware it is on my calendar. I will be there. Thank you. Hello, Senator. Hi. Um, Miss Brooks. Jane. Jane. Brave of you to come in person. What can I do for you? Give me your word to expand on the Americans with Disabilities Act, address the shortage of accessible housing, remove barriers to healthcare.
You want me to sponsor this? Yes. Okay. Well, I will read it thoroughly and I will consider if it's something you have until tomorrow. Tomorrow. Um, nothing in the government gets done that fast. Goodbye, Senator. Goodbye, Miss Brooks. There are more of us than you think.
Excuse me. Hi. Hi. What can I do for you? Do you have a menu? Oh, yeah. Of course. Thank you. What am I supposed to do with this? Oh, are you not a very strong reader? Uh, it's okay. I'll list it out for you. Soups and salads. French onion soup. You know what? Never mind. I will have a coffee. Americano to go. Thank you.
McCarrick. Um, yes, I have seen it. No, I haven't signed it. Well, they want it by tomorrow, which is a little unreasonable in my opinion. Hey, no. Sorry. I was not talking to you. I will do my best to—May I pray over you? What? Dear Lord, bless a sweet woman. I know your love heals all wounds. No, sorry, I'm not talking to you. I got to go. I will call you back. I will call you back. I got to go. Bye.
Many challenges. You're such an inspiration. Keep it up. Thank you. How brave of you. What? What? You are so independent. You poor thing. I don't know what I'd do if that happened to me. Do you need help in your car? No. Are you sure? There are more of us than you think.
We turn around on rock. We roll. The days are gone. We're asleep. We're under deep. There's nothing left but time. Our time has come. Our time has gone. There's nothing left but time.
Filmmaker
Becca Schall is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Becca Schall.
Powerful message presented with warmth and humor
Eye opening Accomplished a lot in 5 minutes and very well done.