JOIN OUR GLOBAL FILM FAMILY!

BEING MICHELLE is an award-winning feature-length documentary film about a deaf woman with autism who survived incarceration and abuse and now uses her artwork to depict the trauma she survived and heal from her past.

 
 
 
 
A painting has two black fists in the middle of a white background with palms facing out symbolizing power. The chains around the black fists are breaking apart.

Art work by Michelle Ricks

 

THEMES IN THE FILM

 

  • Disability Justice, Disability Rights, Human Rights

  • Deaf People in the Criminal Justice System

  • Art Therapy

  • Trauma & Healing


 
 

THE IMPACT CAMPAIGN

#DisabilityJustice #DeafInPrison #DisabledInPrison #ArtTherapy #TellYourStory

“According to a report by RespectAbility, more than an estimated 750,000 incarcerated individuals have a disability. 32% of those in federal prisons and 40% of individuals incarcerated in jails have at least one disability.

Additionally, an estimated 153,000 deaf individuals are incarcerated in jails or state and federal prisons. ”
— Mizrahi et. al., 2016
A painting depicts three black and brown imprisoned women behind long grey bars. Each woman is looking out of the bars in a blue jumpsuit with a blank expression.

Art work by Michelle Ricks

 
 

BEING MICHELLE presents a special opportunity to raise awareness around the disproportionate impact of incarceration on deaf/disabled people. The film can help shift the public safety narrative from one of policing and incarceration to one of community and public health investments. Michelle’s story also demonstrates the significance of art as a healing tool.

YOU!

Thank you for your interest in BEING MICHELLE. We hope to bring together individuals, advocates, organizations and policy makers to create tangible legislative change and support for deaf/disabled people in the criminal justice system. When you partner with BEING MICHELLE, you are joining this movement to humanize the social justice issues facing deaf/disabled people. Together we can educate, empower & catalyze change.


 
 
A painting has one black fist in the middle of a grey background palm facing out in a symbol of power.

Art work by Michelle Ricks

 
 

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Option #1

Share the film on Social Media

 

  • Share the trailer

  • Share upcoming screenings when they become available

  • Invite your members/chapters to host their own screening when they become available

Follow and/or tag us:

 
 
 
 

OUR PARTNERS

 
 
 

Option #2

Host a Screening at an Event You are already planning

Great for your conference, convention, meeting, summits, retreats, board meetings, etc. —or date like any meeting you are already planning for your staff, members or leadership team.

Option #3

Host or co-host a Screening(s) as a special event

Great for …

  • a special date—like December 3rd, International Day of persons with disabilities

  • programatic initiative—like a training series, town hall, etc.

  • specific geography region/location—like a union hall, regional tour, etc.

  • building alliances with target partners as a co-host

FAQs

Are the filmmakers available to speak at my event?

Yes! Complete this screening request form. You will hear back when the film becomes available.

 

Questions? Other Partnership Ideas?

Write to us at the form below or send an email to info@thrivingrootsinitiative.org

 
 
 
 
 

Thank you!