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DYSPLA INTERNATIONAL MOVING IMAGE FESTIVAL was the world’s first festival dedicated to screening the visual innovation of dyslexic and neurodiverse story makers.

The PANEL DISCUSSION was held at The Crypt Gallery, London, in March 2018.



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DYSPLA welcomed esteemed panel members for an academic discussion on the DYSLEXIC AESTHETIC.

The panel discussion aimed to answer the question; Is there a 'Dyslexic Aesthetic'? Does it exist? If so, what constitutes it? How does it manifest itself in the films of our featured artists? What can we learn from it?


ESTEEMED PANEL MEMBERS


Deborah Williams

Deborah Williams, the chair of this panel, is the CEO of the 'Creative Diversity Network' (CDN). CDN, funded by the UK’s major broadcasters brings organisations together across the UK television industry to promote, celebrate and share good practice around the diversity agenda. As CEO, Deborah is responsible for the strategic direction of CDN, delivering all aspects of the organisation’s activities.
"This festival is a vital next step in the growth of DYSPLA. I am looking forward to facilitating the panel discussion, getting to see the films and hearing from the artists."

D-Fuse

Our commissioned artist, D-Fuse created a live 3D installation on the opening night of DIMIF. A London-based collective working across a range of media, D-Fuse was founded in the mid-1990s by Michael Faulkner. Their output encompasses installations, film, experimental documentaries, photography, A/V performances and architectural projects. D-Fuse’s work has evolved to address social and environmental themes.
"I think that events like this are important because by facing the stigma of dyslexia and neurodivergence in our society head on, we almost supersede it and turn it into something positive."

Chris Arnold

Chris is the Creative Director and founder of the brand marketing and creative ad agency 'Creative Orchestra'. He is also founder of 'The Garage', a specialist disruptive innovation consultancy that helps companies think differently and deliberately hires dyslexics. He was also a Board Director and a Creative Director at Saatchi & Saatchi before setting up FEEL – the UK’s first ethical marketing and advertising agency.
“I think it is great that we can both celebrate dyslexia and inspire others. For me dyslexia has been a gift and an opportunity to see things in ways others cannot imagine.”

Sara Putt

Sara runs 'Sara Putt Associates' - a leading independent UK agency for film and television heads of department, providing personal management and representation within feature films, TV drama, documentaries and entertainment. They also run a Trainee Scheme supporting new entrants to the industry. Sara sits on the BAFTA Board and TV Committee, BAFTA’s Learning and New Talent Committee, and is Deputy Chair of WFTV.
"I think the festival is going to talk about some key issues, and I'm excited about taking part in the festival's discussion on improving the diversity in the business."

Mike Forshaw

Born and raised in Liverpool, Mike studied film at Northumbria University before moving to London to study Fiction Direction at the National Film & Television School. His graduation film premiered at the BFI London Film Festival, and his shorts have been screened at numerous UK and international film festivals. In 2013 SATURDAY was awarded a top prize at Nisi Masa’s European Short Pitch, and the film premiered at Sundance Film Festival in 2015.
"As someone who was only diagnosed with dyslexia whilst at university, I strongly believe that open conversation is vitally important to raise public awareness and understanding for a condition that many people still do not fully understand."

Jim Rokos

Originally trained as a model-maker in the film and TV industry, Jim went on to teach at a school in London before completing a Master’s degree in Industrial Design at Central Saint Martins College. Jim now runs 'Rokos' - his brand of playful and sculptural glasswares that behave in unexpected ways. In 2016, in close collaboration with Ab Rogers, Jim curated the very first 'Dyslexic Design' exhibition, which was hosted by designjunction, also at Kings Cross.
"After everything we have said about the creative gifts that the neurodiverse mind can bring to creativity, a festival of alternative thinking brings an enormous pressure to deliver the truly exceptional. With the red tape fallen away, I am very excited to see what will be achieved."

Dyslexic and Neurodiverse filmmakers have a strong heritage in cinematic history. Stan Brakhage, Steve Mcqueen, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Joe Wright, and Steven Spielberg, are a few filmmakers that share dyslexia as their commonality, and as their genius.


DYSPLA focuses on the innovative moving image to define dyslexic and neurodiverse aesthetic. We aim to explore ideas of how the dyslexic and neurodiverse experience and exhibit the world, and also address ideas of societal reform. Tackling the conventions surrounding neurodiversity and magnifying the benefits within the creative sector.
DIMIF 2018 hoped to mix the elements of a film festival with an art gallery approach by not only presenting innovation in dyslexic filmmaking, but by challenging how the audience experiences the moving image.

DYSPLA International Moving Image Festival was held at The Crypt Gallery, London.

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