Breaking Boundaries: Documentary Filmmaking for Disability Justice // Zian Chavez #9241

Original Recording Date: 9/16/24

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Zian Chavez, producer of We Are the Most Beautiful People | Adults with Disabilities, an award-winning documentary that’s reshaping perceptions of beauty and disability worldwide. Through compelling stories from adults with disabilities across cultures, the film confronts ableism, racism, and the distinction between Disability Rights and Disability Justice. Zian shares insights from the film’s journey through international festivals and the transformative impact of representing the lived experiences of people with disabilities. Join us as we explore how this groundbreaking documentary challenges norms and redefines the meaning of beauty and humanity.

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Interested in being a guest speaker? blieberman@yicunity.org

Transcript

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Hello, my name is Zianne Chavez and I'm so happy to be here on Breaking the Biz, and to talk about my film "We Are the Most Beautiful People - Adults With Disabilities". Thank you.[AI Narrator] - Stay tuned for today's episode of "Breaking the Biz", an informative podcast where we dive into the world of entertainment by interviewing seasoned professionals who have made their mark in the industry. Gain invaluable insights as they share their personal journeys, offering advice on navigating the dynamic landscape of the entertainment industry. Whether you're an aspiring actor, musician, filmmaker, author, animator, or any creative soul, tune in for expert career guidance, insider tips and firsthand accounts on breaking into the entertainment industry. Get ready to unlock the secrets behind successful careers and fuel your own passion for the limelight. Please remember to like this video and to subscribe to our channels for more great conversations.[Host] - Greetings from "Breaking the Biz" brought to you by Yes I Can Unity Through Music and Education. I'm William Felber, your navigator through the intriguing universe of the entertainment industry as revealed by the visionaries and creators who bring it to life. Stay tuned as we delve into diverse insights from the forefront of entertainment, hearing from from pioneers, creators and agents of change. Prepare for a journey filled with tales of innovation, resilience and the undying quest for artistic brilliance.[Moderator] - Welcome to Breaking the Biz podcast with the Yes I Can crew. We are so excited to have you all with us tonight. We have an amazing guest speaker. We have Zian Chavez who is the producer of "We Are the Most Beautiful People - Adults with Disabilities." This is a social justice documentary based out of Portland, Oregon. They've won many prestigious film laurels from film festivals around the world. Groundbreaking film challenges societal norms exploring the profound themes of ableism, racism, intersectionality and a distinction between disability rights and disability justice. Their film challenges the notions of beauty and centers on the lived experiences of adults with disabilities. The film presents intimate and unforgettable stories collected from a wide array of people with disabilities from around the world. In a social media driven culture, humankind pursues superficial concepts of beauty. This film challenges these notions and pulls back the veil, urging people to rethink how they engage with all humans in the world. The film is currently in Film Festival Film festival circuit around the globe. They have already won awards in Portland, Calgary, Prague, India, Hong Kong, Sweden, Hawaii, Austin, Oakland, New York, Chicago, Santa Fe, New Mexico, San Jose and La Jolla, California. Their film team is comprised of BA Shorts director, editor, cinematographer Robert Latide and producer Zion Chavez, all based in Portland, Oregon. They have a music video out as well. And this is the first global documentary uniting the world's largest minority people with disabilities. You know, it's so funny. I'm so glad. Thank you for making time for us tonight, Zian. But when we talk about individuals with disabilities, people don't understand that it is the largest minority group out there. And then when you think about all of the different movements that are out there and the fact that the disability movement sometimes gets left behind, it's quite shocking. And the fact that there's a huge unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities that people don't always address as well, that, you know, 80 to 85% of people not having employment, that's a staggering statistic. So on that note, I know I don't need to tell you about that. I know you've got that all covered, but I want to ask you, when did you fall in love with this mission? Well. Well, I. Honestly, I think it was a lifetime mission that. But it happened fortuitously in 2021 when I was working one hour, one hour a week during COVID I am an art therapist by trade, and I was working online for one hour a week. And I was looking around, and, you know, there were several movements happening in 2020 and 2021. You know, the Black Lives Matter, Stop Asian Hate, LGBTQI+ And, you know, here was the disability. Where was the disability movement? And so, um, I've lived with multiple sclerosis for 30 years. I was diagnosed when I was in my early 20s. Um, and so, you know, right now, I walk with a mobility aide. And so this film came to me because my entire adult career, I've worked with adults with disabilities. After high school, I started as an EA in special education, and then I went to under. I traveled the world, and then I went to undergrad, and then I finished my master's in art therapy and counseling. But so in 2021, I was looking around, and I felt so despondent because in my own disability, I realized that I couldn't work more than an hour. I was. I was. So My disability was really impaired. And so. And then I went through my life, my career, and I re. I realized that I worked with adults with disabilities for so long, and those are the people who inspired me always. And I thought to myself, I said, you know, those are the most beautiful people, you know, adults with disabilities. I mean, this. The strength, the perseverance, the obstacles we do, everything just let. It was perfect. I mean, so there were so many things that came together that I decided to make this film. Yeah. Thank You. Sorry for the long. No, there is no such thing as a long answer. This is all about you. And so feel free. I love that. So art therapy, I have to agree with you. Working with individuals with disabilities, we always find the ability first before that dis. And the amazing talents that individuals have that so get left behind. So I want to talk. I mean, you were doing art therapy. Big stretch to then make a movie, right? So did you have experience making movies and films? I want to know the history, you know, behind it. No experience. So the thing is, when there's a passion, when I imagine when, when we have passion about a topic or a subject, we. And so that's where it came from. So, you know, I've always been passionate about adults with disabilities and, you know, working side by side with them and because of my own disability. So you. That's where, you know what. Okay, so I just want to talk about my disability for a second. So for it, I, you know, with multiple sclerosis, I, I experience. I experience many things. So it. On top of multiple sclerosis, I have a depression and anxiety and I'm neurodiverse and I suffer. I deal with incontinence, I deal with chronic migraines. And I also have a mild cognitive disorder that affects my memory. And this is all due to multiple sclerosis. And so on top of that, I have a speech impediment that is sometimes challenging for me to talk. But I want to say for all of us who might have a disability, we can do whatever the heck we want to do. We can do whatever we can, whatever we want to do. It just looks different. It's going to. So, you know, if I made this idea to make this film, you know, it's not going to. I know. You know, I told, I asked a director and then I got a cinematographer, but I let them know. I said, you know, and we all have disabilities, but I let them know that, you know, it's going to take time and, you know, I'm going to need to take breaks and I need to take care of myself. And so that is important. That is an important piece. But we can do anything that we want to do. And I, and so, yes, I'm making this film. I have no background. I'm. I'm just passionate, passionate about the subject. And, And I think, I think we have something very wonderful. Yeah. And I can't wait to show you the music video. And we will get to the music video in a second. So I just want to a. Give you such Respect on your self awareness and understanding yourself, understanding how you need breaks, how your disability affects you. I feel like that's a very important aspect that individual sometimes overlook. And the more you understand yourself, the more successful you're going to be, the better you're going to be able to take care of your health. I do have to say, and I give you kudos on it. When you are passionate, you find a way to do whatever it is you want to do. I loved how you said it might look different, whatever. In the end, it's all about the finished product in getting the message across. And it is a beautiful message, no pun intended, and it needs to get out there. So I wanted to say that the other thing that we talk about in this program is sometimes when you want to do something, you have to put together your tribe or your team to surround you. And sometimes you have a vision and you have an idea and you bring in other people who can help you get that game plan and that blueprint to the finish line. So collaboration is obviously very important. Talk to me about the collaboration. You mentioned your cinematographer and your director both have disabilities. Talk me through the collaboration. Working together. Yes. Oh, I'm so grateful to be. I'm honored and grateful that I'm working with my director and editor, BA Short, and they are an art therapist as well in Portland, Oregon. And they have hearing impairment. They wear hearing aids, and they are also ADHD and Neurodiverse. And my cinematographer, also in Portland or Oregon, and he, he experiences PTSD and dyslexia. And so when we. So BA Is a therapist like myself. And I, you know, I mentioned to them that I have this idea that I want to create this film. And the first thing they said to me is that, are you sure on the title? And I said, absolutely, absolutely sure. I'm not changing that. And so the director and I, we had, you know, because it was challenging because when I thought of this idea of we are the most beautiful people, I didn't imagine myself being in that for whatever reason. But, you know, I'm a human and, you know, I have insecurities. And I'm saying, you know, adults with disabilities, we are the most beautiful people. So it was very challenging for both of us to, to accept that. But the, you know, but the process of making this film and interviewing people from around the world and, you know, we all experience, you know, beautiful is something that we individually experience. I imagine this is my thinking about the word beautiful, because to me, beautiful means something from the heart. So, like, when I See a beautiful sunset or a big redwood tree, you know, in. Outside of San Francisco. That's a beautiful feeling. So to me that the title, everything came into place. And yeah, that's where that's. It's your vision. And if you say that's the name of the documentary, that's what it's going to be. And it's interesting. You know, when I was giving you your intro, we have such crazy standards that we measure our beauty against due to social media and constant bombardment of fake body shapes, fake lips, fake noses. You know, like I think of the Kardashians and, you know, I saw one thing where what they used to look like and what they look like now. And just recently there was somebody who took away their faces and put their old faces to like, their current promo for their show. And it's, you know, they look just like us. So I love how you said, you know, beauty is different to all of us. And if indeed we didn't compare ourselves to all of these celebrities and people that I don't know if we're supposed to look up to them, but what we think is normal is not normal. So finding beauty and is a very important lesson, I guess is where I'm going with it, that you need to find your own beauty. You know, Rich, I just saw this is what rich looks like. And it was just someone coming in the house and having their daughter and. And the wife greet them right into other people. Maybe it's the billions of dollars in planes and, you know, money everywhere and that's what they see as rich. So beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And I think you're onto something is I guess what I'm trying to say. So I agree with you. Let me ask you, when you make a documentary, you mentioned filming individuals all around the world with disabilities. How did you find funding? There's a lot of people on this call who also. Their voices have. Their voices haven't gotten out there yet. They all are sitting on those amazing stories that need to get out there. We know Hollywood is very much a white male, and we just keep rehashing the same stories and we really don't need to see these same movies made over and over. We need other people to share their stories. So with that, how did you fund your documentary so well? We finished. We finished the film with under 28,000. And so. But so at the beginning we were so grateful. We received a grant or a donation or rather sponsorship, sorry, sponsorship from United Cerebral Palsy, Oregon. And so they generously gave us $10,000 and that was. That got us started. Right? So, I mean, and so we did, at the beginning, we started a GoFundMe account. I mean, because, you know, there are several startup kit, you know, there's several ways to start a film. There's lots of ways. But the GoFundMe was free. And so because some startup agendas, you have to pay and then you have to do it in a certain time. So we went with GoFundMe. And so we also went with, you know, reaching out. I mean, it's. It. It was a lot of work. I mean, and anyone working on a film knows this. I mean, it's. Sorry, my bifocals don't. Because I can't really. You're good. Don't worry about it. You look great. You look great. Don't worry about it. So I forgot what I was saying. We're talking about funding. You did GoFundMe, you did lots of other things. But the moral of the story is it was a lot of work. Yes, it's a lot of work. Reaching out to. I mean, I mean, I'm talking about emails, like every day, you know, tons of emails every day. I mean, and so it just takes time. And there's just a lot of time and energy. But I have to tell you, I mean, someone with a disability who actually listens to my body and understands I need to take breaks, it's possible. I mean, we know things are possible. It just looks different. I have to do this. I have to take a break. I have to do this. I'm going to lay down. So, yeah, so the money came in. You know, we're still, we're still asking for money because we're still. We're at the end of our year in the film festival tract. And so now we're just getting. So now we need a distribution agent. And so that part costs money and, and the legal fees and, you know, the traveling to film festivals and that kind of stuff. So I don't think asking for money kind of ends. It ends maybe when the, the film sells. I don't know. That's just something I'll learn later, I guess, or soon. Hopefully soon I. That, you know, there's some people who just go, I don't know how to do this and don't start it and just kind of give up on the dream. And you're one of those people who are pushing forward and you're like, hey, I'm going to figure it out when I need to figure it out. So winning the awards that you have. And, I mean, we. We named a bunch of places where it's kicking butt. Is that the. Is that a short? Is that, like, part of the film that's winning awards? Is it totally done that? Okay, so the film festival, you know, on Film Freeway, that's where our film is. And so we submitted to film festivals all around the world. And a lot, you know, nowadays are online festivals. So a lot of those were online festivals. And so I'm just looking. Yeah, so the majority were online, and one was in New York that we couldn't make it, so. Because we didn't have the funds to get out there. Actually, it's in the. It's in October, but they took us out of the slot because we couldn't make it. So, I mean, so you have to think of, you know, it's always about money, unfortunately. But, yeah, we'll see. Okay, I'm going to share the music video before. Do you want to do any setup on this, you know, before I share it? No, let's talk about it after. Okay, I love it. Let me go ahead and share that right now. Let me get it dialed in. And here we go. I caught myself trying to get in a box I would never fit in because it was filled with an illusion of lies. It was crowded. A whole bunch of people trying to crawl inside this cage Congested with the beauty of deception. They fell out the bottom when the keepers of the box said, you are too old, too ugly, or too disabled. But see, this is how the controllers of humanity made the beauty industry the definition of insanity. Cause we're insane. That's why you never see a rapper with cerebral palsy on the main stage Or a model who had a stroke embracing the Runway. Cause we run away from what the elitist taught our eyes to not see. We don't see people with disabilities as people. And I know cause I've been on both sides but after two aneurisms and ignorance with ableism my eyes can finally see we need a lesson in humanity. We are the most beautiful people we are the most beautiful we are the most beautiful people we are, are we are we are we don't you like what you're looking at? Cause you keep staring looking all crazy hey, I'm different and I'm cool with it. I don't need to look like you to be beautif oh, I'm still beautiful, beautiful, beautiful yeah, I'm the most beautiful, beautiful, beautiful I'm still beautiful, beautiful, beautiful I'm still beautiful, beautiful, beautiful we are the most beautiful. So if you find that you're judging me because of my lip, because of my eyesight, because I can't hear you, because I don't talk like you, talk like you. I'm still dope even though I don't walk like you, like. See, that's okay. In this life full of difference, I still bleed like you and I still hurt too, in this beautiful world. So thank you for your ear and attention. Listen, we are the most beautiful. Amazing, Amazing, right? Like how that you can't change the name of the film. It's got to be that. So absolutely beautiful music. I'm seeing wonderful. I'm seeing comments coming in. Yeah, very moving. I don't understand how anyone can't get it after watching something so beautiful, so powerful. Quite a diverse array. And you can see you're interviewing people of all disabilities, which is amazing. I love what she said. You know, we all bleed. You know, our. What do you get off of staring and just because, you know, differences. Differences are. Is a form of beauty. Like, that's. No one wants to look all the same. So diversity is beautiful. So you talk about pivoting too. Like you went from. You had a comment. Go for it. I don't want to cut you off. No, I just want to say. So the singer, songwriter and the music video is Tony Hickman from Houston, Texas. And they are double brain aneurysm and a stroke survivor, and they're half paralyzed on the right side of their body. And the music is by Matthew Manias and he is First Nation, Garden Hill, Manitoba, Canada. And he has. Was blind at birth. And. And he's a beautiful music. And he's. I mean, he's, he's part of the Canada Walk of Fame. I mean, they're both incredible people and I'm so honored that we got them to do our song for us. So the individual who is blind, who's playing the piano, he's the one who composed the music? Yes, yes. And so both of them. Oh, so where am I getting at? So I forgot what I was going to say. Both of them are extremely talented individuals. How did you find them and contact them to get that? Yeah, at the beginning. Okay, so Tony Hickman. Tony Hickman was a vocal in the song. It's called Rising Phoenix. Now that song was for the documentary in 2021 about the Paralympics called Rising Phoenix. And so that song is awesome. And there's several people with disabilities that created this song. George Tragic, Keith Jones and Leroy Moore Jr. And so. But that song So I knew. I knew. And that movie, it's called Rising Phoenix, about the Paralympics in 2021. That movie is so incredible. And I don't know if anyone saw the Paralympics this year, but in 2021. So if you haven't seen that movie, it's a documentary called Rising Phoenix. It is so awesome. But the thing is, people don't know about it. People, you know, and because it's about disabilities and, you know, it's still. We have a hard time for people to see us to, you know, to accept us, to see us, to include us. This is what we're all working on. I mean. And so I lost my train of thought. No, I. First of all, phenomenal movie and documentary. We have had Leroy and Keith Jones as our guest. Great individuals both, you know, the hip hopping and the rapping and then just. It is a absolutely powerful, great song, the entire documentary. But it again, goes back to if you don't have tons of money, you don't stand out in Hollywood is diverse and different and. But, you know, there's. There's something wrong there. But there are great organizations that just need to. There's so many different organizations out there doing good work. But if we all joined forces, I feel like we could get out in front of Hollywood and make that impact and change the ignorance that really exists in our society. Right? Oh, Amen. Yep. So, all right. So I want to ask you, mentor, is there a mentor that you have in your life? Absolutely. So my mother. My mother's name is Epiphania Maria Baca Contreras. And it was her birthday just this last week. She turned 78. But she has always supported my artistic endeavors from the very beginning. And as a. As a non binary child who didn't know, you know, I didn't know if I was a boy or a girl or where I was in the world. And my mom just said, you be you. You do you. And so. Yeah. And she was my first artist inspiration, and I've been inspired by her my entire life. And. Yes. So I'm blessed to have an amazing mother. Yeah. Thank you. Happy birthday to your mom. First of all, 78 is a great number. That's the year I was born. I love it. How beautiful, though, to have a supportive parent who says, you just be you. How much you can't ask for anything better. And if we had more parents like that, I don't think we would have such tragedy. And out there, I'll leave it at that. So it's great. I love hearing when someone Says my mom is the biggest mentor. My parents as well were definitely impactful and made me definitely who I am. Character wise. Networking. Talk me through networking. How important is networking been to the success of this documentary, to the success of getting your mission and message out there? Well, you know, networking is very important and we're, you know, but, and we're just, I think we're just touching the surface now because, you know, we've been to conferences in Oregon and we just were in a conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico and we're going to Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania for a concert conference in October. But, and so that's great networking. But you know, like you said, LA is a tough nut to crack. And so, and there's so many people that, you know, just look at this film. I mean, just take a look and just take a look at our social media or you know, our website. Take a look, do some research and look at it and see what we're about, you know, because it's an awesome thing. You know, this is the first documentary uniting a minority that it spans the globe. But we're also, you know, we're persons with disabilities, we're united together and we support each other. You know, we, we honor each other's differences, you know, from around the world. And the world can learn a lot from us because, you know, I see you with a disability in Africa. I love you. I see you in Taiwan. I love you. And so I think this is something important and huge. And you know, I have big dreams of, you know, making the world a better place. I mean, I don't know, I want, there's nothing wrong with those ambitions. It always takes one person and it's a ripple effect. So why can't it be you? You can be anything you want to be. And just like you said, it might look different, but in the end, if you're passionate, you do what you need to do and what you want to do. You mentioned earlier with your disability, at times it's hard, it's hard on the body. You mentioned you need breaks, right? The film was very draining. What do you do to relax your mind, to relax your body? What is that? What's your release? What is it that takes your mind off of work, off of this big, huge thing that you're, you're working on? What do you do to relax? So I live in Portland, Oregon and you know, nature is, is my go to. I mean, so with anxiety and depression and all the, you know, what's out here, there's a lot of stuff that's happening around the world, around. So for me and my health, I, you know, I, I go to nature. You know, I touch a tree, I hang out, I go to, I take a walk. And so, you know, and a lot of my life is just very simple and quiet. And I meditate and I practice mindfulness because, you know, this is where we're at. We're in the moment. And so that, that, that part of my life is very precious. And yeah. And I think it's important for all of us to, to have the, this, these outlets that we can rely on or have as a tool to calm ourselves, you know, whether it's in nature or making art. So that another thing that I do, I make art when I need to come get centered. I love it. All those things are so important. You know, I was going to ask you about a time that you stepped out of your comfort zone. And I think making this film is the, is the best example of stepping out of your comfort zone. And a lot like I mentioned earlier, a lot of times people don't pursue things because they say, I, I can't do that, or I, I haven't done that. And instead of saying, I can't do that, you just haven't done it yet. Right. And so it speaks on your growth, mindset in a positive light, that, that mindfulness and everything that you're doing to stay centered, it's working. So beauty, beauty there. I have one last question for you, and then I'm going to open up the floor to some questions from our listeners. What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to your younger self? You've kind of experienced a lot in life. What would, what would that be? Yeah, I do. I, I, this is part of my healing journey that I've done work with my inner child. And, and that is important for all of us. But it's to, I've said to them, I said, it's going to be okay, is going to be okay. And, you know, you just keep following your heart and, and my little self will say, okay, I'll do that, I'll do that. Something like that. I love it. Right? And we do, we need to trust our heart. Our heart kind of leads us to what's beautiful, what's needed. So, yeah, absolute beautiful stuff. On that note, Zion, you are an amazing individual, quite inspiring. Your message is beautiful. Your documentary is beautiful. I am very excited to just continue and watch the success that you have. And I want to just thank you for making time for us. Tonight on Breaking the Biz to come here and inspire us all. Yeah. Thank you so much for having me and please get out the word and you know, please follow us on the socials we're at. We are the most beautiful people. Tell your friends and family about it. Just spread the word. That would help us. Thank you so much for having us. Perfect. On that note, everyone have a wonderful evening. I do just want to remind you real quickly, Thursday we will have an amazing guest speaker as well. But after our guest speaker there is a senses pirate themed party and art show that I would love to get us all together get. I mean having Zion, we definitely should be talking about art. And we have a former guest speaker, Naomi Young who has an art show at the main. I think it would be great for us all just to meet, take 10 minutes, go enjoy the art and the food and the pirate theme and have a great time. So look out for that message that will be coming through. That's for Thursday night after our guest speaker. On that note, everyone have a good evening. Thank you for joining us on "Breaking the Biz"![Host] - As we conclude another enriching episode, we hope you found inspiration in the stories shared today. Let's take a moment to honor Yes I Can's role in bringing "Breaking the Biz" to life. Yes I Can's commitment to empowering young people with disabilities through education, advocacy and mentorship shines brightly, paving paths of opportunity and dialogue. This podcast celebrates the organization's dedication to nurturing talent and facilitating impactful discussions."Breaking the Biz" is more than a podcast. It's a part of Yes I Can's broader mission to amplify voices, dismantle barriers, and craft a world that's more inclusive and accessible for everyone. Each episode is a chapter in our shared narrative of progress, education, and empowerment, driven by the spirit of Yes I Can. Thank you for spending your time with us on "Breaking the Biz". Continue to challenge the status quo and share stories that resonate until our paths cross again. Let's keep transforming aspirations into achievements and infuse every endeavor with optimism. Here's to advancing the landscape of the entertainment industry one episode at a time. I'm your host, William Felber. See you next time.