So, I’ve waited until after the Spirit Awards to mention my thoughts on three films I was able to screen as a Film independent awards voter. You might call me lazy for grouping this together, but I have reasons. Film Independent prides itself on finding voices and stories from underrepresented and marginalized talents. This year, that was shown in the awards they handed out, to a variety of diverse talents. Of course, the big films won anyway, but they still represented the mission of Film independent, which is a factor we are supposed to take into consideration. Uniqueness, representation, inclusivity, diversity, whatever word you want to put to it.

So, i sat through all three of these indie films, and none of them offered audio description. To be fair, no screener from Film Independent was accessible. They made no effort to hit that marginalized and underrepresented group. But, sure, I’ll consider these films as best as I can.

Upon Entry was a hard watch because there is a lot of Spanish. Not entirely, but the movie centers around two immigrants coming to America who have a hellish experience with the TSA. I liked this film, what I could glean from it. I’m doing pretty good at Spanish on DuoLingo, and I did pick up a few things in the dialogue, but not really or nearly enough. It was really hard for me to truly consider this film (though I do recommend it).

Mountains was really only up for Breakthrough Performer, which was an uphill battle. Nevertheless, this story of a Haitian family in Miami and the generational differences between parents and their son was also predictably pretty good, again from what I could glean. I really enjoyed the stand up set in the middle of the film. It honestly never had a prayer of winning me over in Breakthrough Performer, since there was a clear performer listed who truly had broken through this year. Maybe put him on an even playing field as a first time actor, but even then… Dominic Sessa.

Finally, We Grown Now took some kids and sent them on a journey through Chicago. Surprisingly, it is a delightful film for the most part. You hear Chicago, and you can’t really be sure. But, there’s a reason this film is nominated for Best Film. It reminded me of last years Armageddon Time, but only that this is better. I enjoy films where the kids take the lead and explore, like Little Manhattan, so this seemed up my alley. However, no audio description.

Really, all three films I can’t really review or grade because there was no priority given to my underrepresented community of blind and visually impaired cinephiles. It is something I am hoping to change on a broader level, for every viewer, but also the perception that there are no blind voters or blind critics out there has to change as well. Film Independent has no problem not providing audio description, though I did try and reach out to various studios (Neon was a big help), and actually even lets the deaf members know that captioning may not be available.

With the Oscar’s making a push to require that films employ a diverse cast and crew, it’s time for an organization that claims to lift up marginalized talent to do the same. You cannot have it halfway. you can’t be proud of partial diversity, or minor inclusion, or some equity. No.

Next year, perhaps things will change.

Final Grades: Unwatchable

Projected Grade For Upon Entry With Audio Description: A-, B+

Projected Grade For Mountains With Audio Description: B+, B

Projected Grade For We Grown now With Audio Description: B+, B