Invisible Impact
Disability on Climate Change's Frontline
To mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which coincides this year with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), I’d like to introduce the trailer for my forthcoming documentary film.
An audio described version of the trailer below can be found here.
Synopsis
People with disabilities face greater risks as global warming intensifies disasters throughout coastal South Asia. Invisible Impact; Disability on Climate Change’s Frontline reveals how the needs of this community are often overlooked before, during and after an emergency. In Bangladesh, Eastern India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, people with physical, sensory and developmental impairments already face barriers that limit their full participation in society. And because they are unseen, their concerns are often left out of policies that are meant to save lives. Without a seat at climate change talks at all levels, disability advocates say this population will remain most vulnerable.
About
The short film was shot during my reporting trips as a National Geographic Explorer and Fulbright researcher between 2022-23. As a foreign journalist with limited experience in the region, I relied on the help and guidance of local filmmakers, translators, researchers and other sources to put this together. Without the introductions from disability groups in these four countries, I wouldn’t have been able to meet many of the people who are featured in this production. I’m now teaming up with Jared Morgan, who I haven’t had the chance to work together with since our days as broadcasting majors at Montclair State University, to put the final touches on the film. We expect to have it complete by early next year.
While the climate change talks are underway this week, I’ll release via this newsletter a series of short videos from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives that offer a behind the scenes look at the fieldwork that went into creating Invisible Impact. And for a little more background on the ways in which global warming affects people with a disability throughout the region, interviews with advocates from each country will also be featured. Please share this newsletter with anyone else you think would be interested in these concerns.
In the meantime, I’m looking for partners to hold in person or virtual screenings of Invisible Impact. The film won’t be made publicly available and I’d like to reserve it for relevant conferences, speaking engagements as well as festivals. If you know of an organization, university or event that might be a good fit, please reach out to me at jason@lens15.com or by replying to this newsletter.
All content related to Invisible Impact and my fieldwork in South Asia can be found at Lens15.com/impact
Links
Here are some media reports about my research on disability and climate change in coastal South Asia.
Taking Centre Stage; Jason Strother Success & ABILITY Nov 16, 2023
Disaster’s Most Vulnerable The Climate Network Podcast Oct 31, 2023
Odisha has impressed me with its handling of climate changes effect on people with disabilities India Blooms Oct 7, 2023
Dispatches on disability in a crisis New Indian Express Oct 5, 2023
Evacuation ordeal for people with disabilities Telegraph India Sept 27, 2023
Keeley Giblin edited this newsletter