About this Short Film
Educational Video on Right to Educate by Federica Seymandi (Ethiopia, 2026) uses a short, classroom-focused approach to confront entrenched attitudes that deny children access to learning. It follows seven-year-old Selam, a student with an intellectual developmental condition, as she becomes anxious at the blackboard, experiences ridicule and exclusion, and meets resistance from teaching staff; the film then models alternatives, showing teacher training, practical support and classroom strategies that enable Selam to participate. The tone is pragmatic and advocacy-driven rather than sensational, offering clear guidance for educators, policy-makers and families about need-based support and inclusive curricula. As a concise educational resource, it speaks directly to the Focus on Ability audience and debates about systemic inclusion.
Film Details
Film Transcript
The class students come to the blackboard one by one to do questions. When her turn comes, Selam becomes anxious and stands in front of the blackboard unable to answer. The teacher and some teasing students can be seen whispering and laughing. The teacher goes to Selam and takes the crutch from her hand. Selam then returns to her seat. “It is not appropriate to single out and humiliate children like you,” someone says.
Furthermore, we do not know of any training so far on how to teach children with physical disabilities. “It seems you have taken up the whole day and are wasting the time of other students,” is said. The teacher is seen speaking with the head teacher, appearing embarrassed and angry. Selam sits in the teacher’s office with her mother. “What? I don’t know what to say. Selam’s condition is disrupting other students and is beyond our capacity,” the head teacher says. “In this situation we don’t know how to proceed. If you want a school specifically for children like her, that’s fine. Sorry, this is our view; we cannot continue here.”
What should have happened is that many teachers would receive training about inclusion of students with physical disabilities; such training programmes for teachers are being organised. Selam is given adequate support by the teacher, and as she continues she answers questions and overcomes difficulties. Children with physical disabilities have the right to learn without discrimination. The government and all relevant bodies should provide need‑based support for children with physical disabilities to guarantee full inclusion, and ensure that at each level the curriculum includes adapted teaching systems.
We must change entrenched attitudes, include and empower people with disabilities, and by establishing a nationwide inclusive system ensure the participation and benefit of people with physical disabilities.
Rectify Studio, Types Inc. [music] and Empower Persons with Disabilities — change entrenched attitudes, include and empower people with disabilities, and build a nationwide inclusive system to ensure participation and benefit for people with physical disabilities.
Filmmaker
Federica Seymandi is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Federica Seymandi.
