Shooting Beauty

About the Project

Shooting Beauty is a documentary film about an aspiring fashion photographer named Courtney Bent who, in 1997 with no formal training, started a photography project with a group of people living with significant cerebral palsy and other disabilities. With the help of a lot of duct tape, Velcro and a little creativity, she worked with her new friends to invent adaptive cameras that everyone could use—even those who would have to snap pictures using their tongues. The story that emerged over the next 10 years has been called “inspirational” and a “masterpiece” in the press—due in part to its ability to “transform attitudes in real time,” leaving viewers with a new lens through which to see their community members who live with significant disabilities.

The film has the potential to influence the hearts and minds of the public— especially students. Initial test screenings for students have been overwhelmingly positive. After watching the film and participating in a videoconference with the filmmakers, a 6th grade class in Portland, OR decided to volunteer to work with people living with disabilities in their area. The film's audience engagement goals include to replicate this effect with a goal of screening the film at 500 school systems around the U.S.

The Fledgling Fund Impact

The Fledgling Fund is proud to support the audience engagement for Shooting Beauty. The film team has demonstrated the affect it can have on students and adults alike as we shape our feelings and thoughts about the way that those with disabilities fit into society. This beautiful film makes us think twice about how we look at, think about and act around and toward those that are different than us.