Oscar-nominated co-director praises documentary ‘Still’ for its authentic representation of disability

Jim LeBrecht, the Oscar-nominated co-director of ‘Crip Camp,’ has praised the documentary ‘Still‘ for its authentic representation of people with disabilities. ‘Still,’ directed by Davis Guggenheim, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and has received multiple awards, including Best Documentary Feature at the Critics Choice Documentary Awards. LeBrecht, who has a disability and works as a sound designer and mixer, commended Guggenheim for creating a film that accurately portrays the experiences of individuals with disabilities.

LeBrecht highlighted the historical lack of positive representation of disability in film and television, noting that many portrayals have been problematic and harmful. He criticized tropes that paint disability as a tragedy or focus on overcoming the disability. LeBrecht believes that authentic representation is crucial in dispelling negative preconceptions and showcasing the diversity of experiences within the disabled community.

LeBrecht initially approached ‘Still’ with skepticism due to past disappointments with disability-focused narratives. However, after watching the film, he was pleasantly surprised by its portrayal of Michael, the film’s protagonist who acquires Parkinson’s Disease. LeBrecht praised the film for capturing Michael’s humor, resilience, and unwavering spirit, emphasizing that the story presented a nuanced and realistic representation of someone living with a disability.

The documentary’s success, LeBrecht explained, was due to the trust and mutual understanding between the filmmaker and the subject. He commended Guggenheim for accurately depicting Michael’s journey and showcasing his true self rather than reducing him to his disability. LeBrecht highlighted the importance of humor in disability narratives and expressed hope that ‘Still’ would contribute to more authentic and informed representations of disability in the entertainment industry.

LeBrecht’s own film, ‘Crip Camp,’ which he co-directed with Nicole Newnham, has also received acclaim for its portrayal of disability. He expressed gratitude for the positive impact ‘Crip Camp’ has had on audiences’ perceptions of disability and emphasized the need for more films like ‘Still’ to counter harmful and demeaning portrayals.

LeBrecht celebrated the authenticity of ‘Still’ and praised the filmmaker and subject for sharing Michael’s inspiring journey. He hopes that the film will contribute to the advancement of accurate and respectful disability representation in the industry, ultimately leading to the elimination of harmful narratives.