Spotlight on disability and creativity features ‘Including Us,’ a documentary about OSF’s ‘Hairspray’ production
By Kayla Heffner for Ashland.news
In Ashland, people love the arts.
“Films about the arts are especially appealing in a town with so much art and music,” said Richard Herskowitz, director of programming for the 2024 Ashland Independent Film Festival.
AIFF held a preview night for the upcoming film fest on Sept. 18. Herskowitz said there are three themes Ashland audiences are interested in: the arts, environment, and social activism.
These also happen to be subjects independent filmmakers find particularly inspiring, which is why they are three of the main movie themes making up the list for AIFF 2024, coming up Oct. 3-6.
For the 2024 lineup there will be more than 60 movie premieres and in-depth Q&A discussions with filmmakers, guest artists and actors in attendance. A few of the movies featured focus on animation, short stories, music, literature, visual arts, and theater.
One of those films about theater, “Including Us,” is the centerpiece film for AIFF 2024. The screening will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at the SOU Music Hall. Herskowitz says it will be a big event because it’s the world premiere of the documentary.
The deets
For a full listing of all the movies, activities, and festival information, go to the AIFF website.
The Ashland Film Festival runs Oct. 3-6. Tickets are on sale now.
Admission to most shows is $13-15 if purchased individually. Packages are available, including six shows for $85 ($72 for members). Memberships start at $95.
The film is about the 2019 Oregon Shakespeare Festival production of “Hairspray: The Broadway Musical.” The documentary follows the story of four teen actors with disabilities. The film gives a look behind the scenes about the actors’ triumphs and challenges performing in the play. The cast, crew, and family talk about the power of inclusivity in interviews throughout the film.
Several of the actors who performed in the 2019 “Hairspray” production who are featured in the documentary will be on stage after the screening discussing the film.
Veteran OSF actor Eddie Lopez, who starred as Corny Collins in the production of “Hairspray,” will moderate the Q&A discussion with the filmmakers and actors after the documentary. OSF actor Preston Mead will be present as well. Mead served as a mentor for the 2019 musical show.
“One thing about the Ashland Independent Film Festival and all film festivals is that we create an interactive experience,” Herskowitz said. “It goes far beyond the film.”
Herskowitz said he is excited to, “Show the world what OSF did so brilliantly with this production.”
Journalist Kayla Heffner lives in Ashland. Email her at kheffner1@gmail.com.
