This Is Not A Sport Film
A disabled filmmaker takes an introspective look into herself through wheelchair rugby. But will she ever find her way?
Interview with Director/Producer Lily Ahree Siegel
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I wanted to amplify the intersection of disability and sport, and the able gaze towards disabled folks like myself. The Paralympics are the biggest venue to see disabled folks. Disabled folks are very aware of this. But I wanted to show there are normies out there -- regular disabled folks like myself who don't know where they fit into this narrative. And that is okay!! Disabled folks are fully-rounded individuals, obviously.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Audiences should watch because it offers a unique perspective on the human experience, which happens to be underrepresented in films overall. It sheds light on personal challenges, triumphs, and perspectives. This film shows that disability is another part of diversity. Ultimately, I hope it encourages important conversations about accessibility, and the need for a more inclusive society.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I think the personal is the most universal. In fact, the more specific a story is, somehow it becomes even more relatable. I love to address a lot of intersectionality in my work, and I think it makes it more reflective and relatable to a larger audience.
Obviously, it is an incredibly personal film, but there are universal themes within it about community/belonging, mother and daughter relationships, and self-esteem. Most people can relate somehow!
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Initially, I was planning to make a film about Saracens and this wheelchair rugby family, though being at the Saracens Wheelchair Rugby Club, there was an actual change in myself. I began to be introspective about the whole process. I felt this journey was important to document, and hence how the film evolved!
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We were shortlisted for a Student BAFTA, so that's amazing feedback! Absolutely ecstatic about that! It truly means it was recognised for being a great film to the BAFTA standard.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I've been quite happy with the feedback, but always open to other points of view, comments or reflections!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I am hoping to share a personal disability story with folks, so they know that these stories exist. It also is quite affirming when other disabled folks see themselves represented in spaces, as a community, it is often excluded.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I would love to be in touch with distributors to be able to get the film out there to a wider audience in the US, and perhaps in the UK as I am based here.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would love for this film to spark dialogue around the visibility (or rather, invisibility) of disabled people in media. Just for the viewer to reflect on the concept of ableism. And if they don't know what that is, they may look it up and think about how it affects them. Also, I am hoping this would ignite conversations about inclusivity and the fact that the world is 20-25% disabled, but yet are largely ignored and excluded demographic.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What would happen if sports were cancelled? Essentially that is what happens to many disabled folks who lack resources to go or find sports clubs like Saracens -- they are not plentiful, and often folks drive hours in the UK to go to practice; Midge and his wife drove about 1-2 hours to the club every week. This time and resource just isn't possible for many folks.
Would you like to add anything else?
Thank you for watching and reading!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Lily Ahree Siegel is currently directing a documentary for an internationally recognised sports organisation in the UK aimed for terrestrial and international distribution, to broadcast in Summer 2024.
Interview: October 2023
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
This Is Not A Sport Film
A disabled filmmaker takes an introspective look into herself through wheelchair rugby. But will she ever find her way?
Length: 13:08
Director: Lily Ahree Siegel
Producer: Lily Ahree Siegel
About the writer, director and producer:
LILY AHREE SIEGEL (she/her) is an award-winning documentary Producer/Director from Birmingham, Alabama, USA, with her work showing on Netflix, PBS, Slamdance Film Festival and being Student BAFTA shortlisted. She currently lives and works in London, UK.
Instagram: @thisisnotasportfilm
Made in association with: National Film and Television School