Making, I CAN for EDFC 2019

I CAN was produced for the 2019 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge.

For screening inquiries please contact: cory@rmpfilms.com

I CAN is the directing debut of Diana Elizabeth Jordan, an established actor with cerebral palsy and disability activist. After years of success as a stage and television actress, Diana was looking for new artistic challenges and nothing is more challenging than trying to make a film in two days! Her vision for I CAN was to bring authentic portrayal of a strong female character who was not restricted by disability.

Produced by Cory Reeder, long-time collaborator of Jordan's, I CAN is their sixth production together. Reeder, an advocate for PWD (people with disabilities) for over six years, has produced videos with System of a Down, Jonathan Davis (Korn) and Hayley Kiyoko that all employed people with disabilities.

Written and produced in just 55 hours for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, I Can, was nominated for both Best Film and Best Director. The purpose of the challenge is to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in entertainment.

I Can is special, and not just for the fact that it was made in 55 hours, or was directed by a woman of color who has cerebral palsy, features six actors with disabilities, or has a mindfully inclusive and gender-balanced cast and crew. I can is special because though diversity and inclusion are at the films story and production core, on the surface it’s a wonderfully intriguing film.

I CAN is a mysterious sci-fi whirlwind questioning universal truths that look at different forms of peer pressure everyone struggles with, whether non-disabled or disabled. It doesn’t speak down to disability but still showcases the struggles that people with disabilities can face from friends, family and mentors. It’s an ode to dystopian futures where anyone’s best chance to survive is in the hands of the most humane person on screen.

AWARDS, NOMINATIONS & OFFICIAL SELECTIONS

WIN – Best New Media, 2019, European Philip K. Dick Festival

NOM – Best Film, 2019 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge

NOM – Best Director, 2019 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge

Finalist – 2019, Changing Face Film Festival

Official Selection – 2019, Heartland Film Festival

Official Selection – 2019, Newport Beach Film Festival

Official Selection – 2019, Watch This! Film Festival

Official Selection – 2019, Lancaster Int. Short Film Festival

Official Selection – 2019, Apocalypse Later Int. Film Festival

Official Selection – 2019, People of Passion Int. Short Film Festival

Official Selection – 2020, HollyShorts Monthly Screening Series (March)