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Faculty and Staff
Celebrating Innovation and Inclusion: The 11th Annual Disability Film Festival at Pace University
On April 8, 2025, the 11th Annual Disability Film Festival was held at Pace University, welcoming guests, students, and members of the broader New York City community to the University’s downtown campus. This year’s festival continued its tradition of celebrating the lived experiences of people with disabilities in film, and it also introduced a brand new addition to the event that we hope is here to stay: an arts exhibition spotlighting the work of artists with disabilities in the community.
Co-chaired by Professor James Lawler of the Seidenberg School, Beth Rosenberg of Tech Kids Unlimited, and Di Quon Wilms of the Sands College, the event served as both an educational platform and a celebration of diversity. The evening featured screenings of thought-provoking short films, panel discussions with filmmakers and advocates, and interactive presentations from community organizations working at the intersection of technology, art, and disability empowerment.
The event opened with remarks from key university leaders, including President Marvin Krislov, Interim Provost Jonathan Hill, Interim Dean of the Seidenberg School Li-Chiou Chen, and Sands College Dean Jennifer M. Holmes. A special moment was reserved for the remembrance of Pace University’s Joan Brown-Claxton.
One of the evening’s highlights was the distinguished keynote address by Christina Curry, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities of the City of New York. In her powerful address, Commissioner Curry spoke to the critical importance of inclusive representation in media and the arts, and underscored the ongoing efforts across New York City to create equitable spaces for all.
The festival also included live demonstrations, audience-led conversations, and a closing reception, fostering dialogue and community connection. None of this would be possible without the ongoing dedication of Pace’s staff, faculty, and students, and of course without Dr. James Lawler championing the event for over a decade. Now in its eleventh year, the Disability Film Festival Marathon has grown into a dynamic platform for advocacy and creativity, placing innovation and inclusion at the heart of the Pace experience.
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