Representation of People with Disability on Screen: A Work in Progress | April 22, 2021

The Empire Club of Canada Presents: Representation of People with Disability on Screen: A Work in Progress Filmmaker Atom Egoyan is an icon of the Canadian film industry and has seen a lot of changes in the past 35 years. When he began making movies in the mid-’80s, his early features were perceived as examples of a country coming to terms with the complex reality of diversity and multiculturalism. Many awards and two Oscar nominations later, Egoyan came to the podium of the Empire Club to take a closer look at how the discourse around diversity had shifted. Highlighting the importance of authentic representation and inclusivity vis-a-vis people with disabilities in media and the arts, Egoyan sat with co-panelists Christine Hill, Stakeholder Engagement – Office of the CEO, at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, and George Alevizos, an ACTRA/Equity professional actor. Also joining this panel was Atom’s son Arshile, whose recently completed first film, Absence, that centred around a character who is differently abled. This event was moderated by Tenny Nigoghossian and was a not-to-be-missed event for anyone following how the arts are dealing with diversity with a special focus on how people with disabilities should be portrayed in cinema. Panelists: Atom Egoyan - Canadian Filmmaker Christine Hill - Stakeholder Engagement - Office of the CEO, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation George Alevizos - ACTRA/Equity Professional Actor Arshile Egoyan - Canadian Filmmaker *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.* *Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*