Superfest and Ability Central: Expanding Access Through Film

More Than a Festival: A Celebration of Disability and Storytelling

Designing for Inclusion, Not Accommodation

Leadership Rooted in Community

For Shaina Ghuraya, now stepping into her role as Director of Superfest, the timing feels just right. “There are a variety of accessibility features this year, and we’re excited that people with disabilities can enjoy the festival in whatever way they prefer, including virtually,” she shared. Her words convey more than just logistics planning—they radiate the joy in creating a space where people can be themselves.

Ability Central, one of this year’s sponsor, sees deep alignment between its mission and what Superfest represents. The organization has long emphasized that accessibility isn’t an add-on; it's a fundamental part of the organization's mission. By supporting a festival that centers on ventilation, decompression spaces, and inclusive restrooms, Ability Central is helping advance the belief that true access is about anticipating needs and designing with intention.

Many films in their program this year go beyond storytelling to call for action. Shaina noted that,

We received many films this year that were advocating for specific calls to action, films that were fighting to create space for people with disabilities.

One standout is Voice Notes from Palestine, a raw collection of phone footage captured by students with disabilities living through the ongoing genocide. “It’s such an important film,” Shaina said, “and it scares me to think that just a couple of decades ago we probably would not have been able actually to see what was going on firsthand.” The film highlights how access to technology has not only changed who tells stories but also how those stories reach the world.

Filmmaking itself has become more accessible, which means Superfest is receiving submissions from corners of the world that might have been previously overlooked. That diversity broadens the festival’s reach and mirrors Ability Central’s own belief that when tools and platforms are accessible, people with disabilities don’t just participate, they lead.

For Shaina, Superfest’s impact is deeply personal. She remembers the uncertainty of graduating with a film degree in 2020 when the pandemic shut down so many opportunities. Getting her short film accepted to Superfest changed everything. “I met a whole community of amazing creatives with disabilities who really just wanted to help each other rise in this tough industry,” she recalled. That community not only encouraged her, it also connected her to filmmaker Ashley Eakin, who later introduced her to Netflix contacts. That introduction turned into a writing job and a career milestone she traces back to the festival.

Her story reflects what Superfest has always been about: celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity. Creating a community where artists uplift one another and opportunities multiply. Over time, Shaina shifted from participant to curator to Director, supported by mentors like longtime Superfest leader Emily Beitiks. Now she carries those lessons forward, blending her personal and professional journey to lead the festival.

Accessibility as Artistry

What sets Superfest apart isn’t only the films but its approach to access as an artistic principle. Every film is required to have captions and audio description, but the festival goes a step further by involving filmmakers in shaping these elements. Emily Beitiks, Co-Director of the San Francisco Disability Cultural Center, points out that a pause in dialogue might have emotional weight only the creator can clarify, or that “[music plays]” communicates something very different than “[an upbeat funky tempo builds].” These choices shape how audiences experience the work, and honoring the filmmaker’s voice makes accessibility part of the art.

There are moments of friction, too. Providing audio description for foreign films often requires dubbing, which can obscure the authentic voice of an actor with a disability. But Superfest leans into those challenges with the belief that artistry and inclusion can coexist when handled with care.

The Transformative Power of Representation

The result is transformative. Many filmmakers leave Superfest seeing captions or audio description not as compromises but as creative enrichments. Some even prefer their accessible versions. That shift, treating accessibility as an opportunity rather than a burden, is part of the festival’s magic.

As this year’s festival draws near, excitement is building. The Disability Cultural Center will soon welcome attendees in person, while and offer virtual options to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. The films promise to move, provoke, and inspire. And behind it all, there’s a commitment to ensuring that every detail, from the subtitles on screen to the physical space itself, reflects the values of inclusion.

Superfest isn’t just an event to attend. It’s a living example of what happens when people with disabilities aren’t only welcomed into cultural spaces, but are empowered to shape them. It demonstrates how accessibility and artistry complement each other, how community inspires careers, and how storytelling drives social justice.

Shared Values, Shared Vision

That’s why Ability Central is proud to support sponsor Superfest. Its mission to expand access, amplify underrepresented voices, and promote innovation aligns seamlessly with the festival’s vision. Together, they’re helping ensure that people with disabilities see themselves not just on screen but celebrated for their creativity, leadership, and impact. These stories don’t just entertain. They change lives.

This year’s Superfest runs from October 16th–19th, offering both in-person and virtual screenings for audiences everywhere. Learn more or register to join the celebration here.

At Ability Central, we’re proud to support programs and events that expand access and inclusion for people with disabilities. Visit abilitycentral.org to explore more stories like this one or make a donation to help us continue amplifying disability voices.