NAU’s Not Inspiration Pørn Film Festival returns for a third year
NAU’s Not Inspiration Pørn Film Festival showcases authentic disability experiences, featuring local premieres and global short films.
Northern Arizona University is rolling out the red carpet for a film festival that’s anything but ordinary. The Not Inspiration Pørn Film Festival, now in its third year, kicks off the campus’s Disability Pride and Heritage Month with a bold mission: showcasing the real, unfiltered experiences of people with disabilities.
Breaking stereotypes, one frame at a time
John Schaffer, the mastermind behind the festival and academic program coordinator for NAU’s Disability Studies minor, explained the provocative name to the NAU Review: “The term ‘inspiration porn’ was coined by Australian disability rights activist Stella Young. It refers to media that exploits people with disabilities to inspire non-disabled individuals.”
Schaffer emphasizes the harm in such portrayals. “It sets low expectations for people with disabilities and reinforces ableist perspectives,” he notes. Instead, the festival aims to present a more nuanced, authentic view of disability experiences.
This year’s lineup features a world premiere that hits close to home—two films about NAU community members. “A Blind Man Walks Into a Classroom” spotlights Chris Lanterman, a blind professor known for his teaching prowess and involvement with the Commission on Disability Access and Design. Another film, “My Boss Friend Matthew,” offers a sequel of sorts to a 2016 piece about Matthew Wangeman, an instructor who pioneered the idea for NAU’s disability studies minor.
Beyond campus: A global perspective
While local stories take center stage, the festival doesn’t stop there. Award-winning short films, both documentary and narrative, from around the world round out the program. These selections celebrate disability pride, expose societal barriers, and portray people with disabilities in multifaceted roles—as partners, as grieving individuals, and simply as humans living life on their own terms.
The Not Inspiration Pørn Film Festival takes place Saturday, October 5, from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Cline Library Assembly Hall. It’s free and open to all, offering the NAU community and beyond a chance to expand their understanding of disability experiences through the power of cinema.
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