By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4 cats
Director: James Lebrecht | Nicole Newnham
Country: united_states
Year: 2020
Running time: 106
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8923484/reference
Michael says: “I often wonder about the genesis of documentaries and how the decision to make a film about a certain subject must be nerve-wracking. Not every story is compelling, no matter how much shooting and editing the filmmaker does. CRIP CAMP, a documentary by James Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham, could have had a number of entry points… although literally, now that I just looked at who James Lebrecht is, it all becomes much more clear.
“Let me start again. James Lebrecht was born in New York with spina bifida, a birth defect in the spinal cord. At age 14, in the late 60’s James attended Camp Jened, not far from Woodstock, NY; a place where teens with disabilities of all types, gathered together and were allowed to just be teens, and do all the things that teens were doing in the late 60’s that these particular teens weren’t allowed to do in the course of their regular life. Lebrecht and Newnham were incredibly lucky to have access to video footage that was taken during one particular summer at Camp Jened, that introduces the viewers to a group of campgoers who grew up to be incredibly influential in the battle for civil rights for the disabled.
“The film largely centers around Judith Heumann, a campgoer who had polio at the age of 18 months and was confined to a wheelchair. Smart, outgoing, and a natural leader, after enjoying her time at Camp Jened, and making some valuable connections there, went on to become a leading activist for disability rights. Lebrecht and Newnham follow the thread of the story from New York, to San Francisco in the 70’s where many of Camp Jened’s alum found themselves. They fought a long hard battle for civil rights that took them ultimately to Washington DC and the eventual passing of the American Disabilities Act. It’s fascinating to learn of all the effort and dedication that was going on while I was a young adult that resulted in such powerful legislation, and not being aware of it while it was happening.
“CRIP CAMP shines the light on a very important political movement in our lifetime, filled with dynamic personalities and amazing acts of courage. It’s also a very well-structured documentary that enhances the compelling subject matter. The access to the early video footage, and the plethora and variety of interviewees, as well as new footage and interviews as the movement grew, really comes together incredibly to tell this powerful story. 4 cats“