In this article, we will share the story about the impact factor of the film How Far I’ll Go and how it inspires viewers to understand inclusive education better. The film tells the lives of two visually impaired teenage girls, their friendship, and their dream to live independently.
How Far I’ll Go shows us the reality of lives for people with disabilities. It tells the story of Andrea or Dea and Salsa who have been friends since childhood. Both were born with visually impaired disabilities, but they experience two different lives. Dea resides in the US while Salsa is in Indonesia. Despite their disability conditions, both Dea and Salsa dream to live independently, and this story tells about their struggles towards achieving their dreams.
The director, Ucu Agustin, chooses to present the story differently. Instead of bringing a story that revolves around the celebration of heroism for disabled people who succeed at overcoming their struggles and reach victory, Ucu focuses on presenting a humble, intimate story of day-to-day lives.
What has become an important highlight for How Far I’ll Go is inclusive education for people with disabilities. Not only that students with disabilities should be able to enjoy the same level of education as other students without disabilities, but they should have been granted facilities and psychological supports to make them feel accepted and equal to other students.
“I was surprised to know that Indonesia is the second largest country in the world with 2,5 percent of the citizens with blind and visually impaired disabilities,” said Ucu.
Ucu Agustin first met Andrea in the US when she just moved there. Andrea, with many of her achievements in making an impact in the community, succeeded to inspire her. For her, presenting the story of two growing up teenagers is important because it offers a glimpse of a story where the audiences can witness the development of two teenagers that is taking place in the world of people with special needs, especially those who are growing toward adulthood in two different countries.
Under the campaign #INDONESIAINKLUSIF, Ucu and the film’s Impact Producer, Mila Kamila, aims to promote the creation of an inclusive environment for the people with disabilities. They invite communities, non-profit organizations, film communities, universities, schools, government or non-governmental organizations, society, and individuals to participate in film screenings and organize discussions about inclusive communities. So far, there have been 34 organizations which join them to support the campaign. Ucu is hoping that everyone can enjoy the film, and can understand the realities, challenges and struggles faced by people with disabilities in day-to-day life.
“Watching How Far I’ll Go can give a new experience in enjoying audio visual work. Aside from delivering messages about how equality can be achieved, it also shows an example on how a film can be inclusive and can be enjoyed by everyone,” said Blindman Jack, a standup comedian and an activist for disabilities.
Those wanting to know more about the campaign can join their webinar Indonesia Inclusive: Acceptance, Integration, Inclusion and Opportunity for All, organized this Saturday, 20 February at 19.00. Register at http://sejauhkumelangkah.com/jadwal-putar-webinar/ to join the webinar. While those who are interested to join as a partner can follow the link to register at http://sejauhkumelangkah.com/mari-menonton/ or Facebook page @sejauhkumelangkah.
