Illuminating challenges

Jacob Nossell, a Danish entrepreneur, shared his experiences and reflections on growing up with cerebral palsy at the forum. Natural Disorder, a documentary centered on him, was screened at the festival.

Over the course of shooting the documentary, Nossell found that, by placing his disability in an artistic context, he was able to achieve greater understanding of himself, and hopes that the film will make it easier for everyone to address issues pertaining to disability and normality.

He also says that to forge interpersonal understanding, it is important to point out the commonality of human experience, such as the universal desire for a happy family and successful career, instead of treating people with disabilities as heroes or victims.

"The more we can understand each other and see through a disability someone has, the more understanding can be created between people," Nossell says.

This year's festival also included recurring dance-therapy workshops that offer classes for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

"At this year's festival, we invited practitioners who are bringing together different communities, discovering their true thoughts and creative power, as well as changing our cultural views and narratives," says Ge Huichao, founder of the festival and Body On & On.

"We hope, as cultural or nonprofit organizations, to take action in response to uncertainties, to connect communities, to address marginalized groups, and to convey their needs."