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The panel convenes at a pivotal moment for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the entertainment industry. Recent research from USC’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative reveals the stark reality: just 2.2% of speaking characters in top movies released last year were portrayed as having a disability, representing a decline from 2015’s already inadequate 2.4%. The study revealed that 42 films did not feature a single character with a disability.
This glaring under-representation becomes even more pronounced when considering that persons with disabilities comprise approximately 15% of the global population, making them the world’s largest minority group. In television, the picture remains equally dismal, with GLAAD’s research showing only 2.8% of all series regulars were characters with disabilities.
In South Africa, where progressive policies should set the standard, the entertainment industry confronts comparable challenges. However, encouraging developments demonstrate growing recognition of the need for targeted intervention. The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has established comprehensive funding mechanisms through various slate programs, including those for fiction, documentary, and youth filmmakers, which are designed to ensure that filmmakers, ranging from emerging to experienced, benefit equitably. Additionally, significant funding for special projects has supported diverse storytelling initiatives, with allocations exceeding R9 million across multiple projects.
Most notably, the NFVF has launched a groundbreaking disability-specific funding call titled “Not What Society Expects”, inviting persons with disabilities to submit proposals for short fiction or documentary films. This initiative awards up to R200,000 each to four stand-alone projects, requiring “an authentic doctor’s letter proving one’s disability” as part of the application process, ensuring genuine community representation and self-determination in storytelling.
The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority demonstrates similar progressive steps through its bursary programme, which specifically requires “proof of disability, if disabled” as part of its application process, acknowledging applicants with disabilities within its funding framework. Meanwhile, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has committed to “integrate South Africa’s sign language into broadcasting as a means of making programming accessible to people with hearing disabilities.” It already features specialised programming, such as the award-winning “Activated” series on SABC 2.
However, comprehensive data on disability representation in South African film and television content remains scarce, suggesting an urgent need for systematic measurement and targeted interventions that DAWN’s database and advocacy work aim to address.
This year’s Durban Film Mart emphasises the imperative for film professionals across the Global South to collaborate in building sustainable film ecosystems that rely on local talent, expertise, and finances. The theme particularly resonates with DAWN’s mission, as the network addresses unique challenges faced by filmmakers while offering industry programmers space to explore inclusive programming at a time when many are navigating conflict, censorship, and systemic barriers.
The panel at the Durban Film Mart represents a powerful collaboration between DAWN, the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA), and Richard Lothian Casting. This partnership has already yielded tangible results, including the establishment of a comprehensive database for actors with disabilities and the development of industry resources designed to enhance accessibility and representation throughout the production process.
Adding significant momentum to this movement is the groundbreaking work of ShazaCin Accessible Media, founded by disability rights pioneer Shakila Maharaj, who is also a valued member of DAWN. ShazaCin operates as “a young innovative company operating in the digital space, providing a 360 degree solution, from audio description (AD) content creation to AD delivery through our mobile assistive app ‘ShazaCin'” and represents “a first in Africa” in comprehensive audio description services.
Maharaj has “pioneered audio description for 12 years” and trained “almost 200 disabled and non-disabled persons (including isiZulu)” whilst conducting “blind verification and quality control on current ShazaCin AD projects”. Her company directly addresses the representation gap identified in the panel’s theme by focusing on “local film in local languages, created by local talent, to enrich the lives of visually disabled persons in Africa.” She has received “the Sabela Award from the Durban International Film Festival for her contribution to inclusion in film”, demonstrating industry recognition for her transformative work.
“We’re not simply asking for inclusion—we’re providing the infrastructure and talent pool to make it happen,” explains Simon Manda, co-founder of DAWN and Managing Editor of THISABILITY Newspaper. “Our partnership with SAGA demonstrates how grassroots advocacy combined with established industry infrastructure can create meaningful change.”
The collaboration has produced a comprehensive manual organised by production stages—from education and casting to on-set requirements—ensuring actionable guidance for industry professionals. Future workshops will share technological solutions and insights, creating a knowledge-sharing ecosystem that benefits the entire community.
Central to the initiative is the Disabled Actors Database, created in partnership by Richard Lothian Casting, DAWN, and SAGA. This groundbreaking resource not only connects casting directors and producers with exceptional talent but also provides upskilling opportunities, training, and technical support for actors with disabilities.
“The database represents more than just a casting tool—it’s a comprehensive support system,” notes Richard Lothian, Emmy-nominated casting director and creator of the database. “We’re not only showcasing talent but ensuring actors have the resources and training to compete at the highest levels.”
The session at the Durban Film Mart will be moderated by Karen Jeynes, writer, director, producer, and co-founder of DAWN, who is completing her PhD on autistic representation in South African television at the University of Pretoria. Joining her are:
Carlynn de Waal-Smit – National Secretary for the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA) and co-owner of Contractors Artists agency in Johannesburg. A dance graduate from Pretoria Technikon and a PMA member, she was instrumental in the formation of SAGA in 2009, following concerns about the exploitation of performers. She serves on the SASFED Council and SWIFT Steering Committee, remaining dedicated to actor advocacy through industry regulation.
Richard Lothian – Emmy-nominated casting director with 20 years of experience and over 60 credits spanning film, television, animation, and theatre. A proud CSA member, he created the Disabled Actors Database out of his passion for the acting craft and his commitment to fostering an open, inclusive industry that celebrates diversity and representation.
Simon Manda – Co-founder of DAWN and Managing Editor of THISABILITY Newspaper. His diverse leadership spans youth journalism initiatives with NCPD and Afrika Tikkun, accessible media work with ShazaCin, and former brand management for Ladysmith Black Mambazo, demonstrating his commitment to revolutionising storytelling whilst empowering communities.
Zonke Nyandeni – A passionate storyteller and musician who, whilst living with blindness and rheumatoid arthritis, remains committed to creating meaningful, thought-provoking narratives that make a difference in the world.
Disability Inclusion discussion Panellists at Durban Film Mart 2025
Beyond moral imperatives, inclusion represents sound business practice. Research consistently demonstrates that diverse content performs better across demographics, with films featuring authentic representation enjoying higher ratings and increased social media engagement. Companies with strong disability leadership naturally prioritise better reporting, which leads to more authentic representation and creates what experts describe as “a virtuous circle of inclusion and innovation.”
The economic argument becomes even more compelling when considering the purchasing power of the global disability community, estimated at $18 trillion annually. In South Africa, approximately 7.5% of the population has some form of disability, representing a substantial market segment that remains mainly underserved by entertainment content, according to Statistics South Africa.
Yet only 22% of Valuable 500 companies publicly disclose workforce representation data, highlighting the urgent need for systematic change in how the industry approaches inclusion. As Shakila Maharaj notes, “Very few African productions are accessible to blind audiences,” a reality that ShazaCin Accessible Media works tirelessly to address through their innovative describeAT app and comprehensive audio description services.
As the entertainment industry faces increasing scrutiny over representation, DAWN invites stakeholders to move beyond performative gestures towards meaningful action. The organisation seeks partnerships with production companies, broadcasters, streaming platforms, and industry bodies committed to authentic inclusion.
The panel’s networking event following the formal discussion provides immediate opportunities for industry professionals to engage directly with DAWN’s leadership, explore the Disabled Actors Database, and discuss concrete steps towards implementation. With funding mechanisms like the NFVF’s “Not What Society Expects” initiative already in place and innovative companies like ShazaCin demonstrating the commercial viability of accessible content, the infrastructure for change is already in place.
“We’re not asking for charity—we’re offering partnership,” emphasises Jeynes. “The talent exists, the infrastructure is developing, the audience demand is proven, and funding opportunities are available. What we need now are industry leaders brave enough to embrace change and recognise that authentic disability representation isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do.”
For more information about DAWN or to explore partnership opportunities:
The 16th Durban Film Mart continues through 21 July 2025, with the full programme available at: https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/dfm-2025-event-programme/
