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Accessibility commission advances plans for 504-themed student film festival; recommends Crip Camp screening as kickoff
Summary
Members discussed a student-centered “504 film festival,” equipment and judging logistics, and a planned screening of the documentary Crip Camp as an educational lead-in; principal turnover in July prompted concerns about timing.
Members of the Town of Danvers Accessibility Commission discussed steps to launch a 504-themed high school film festival and a related screening of the documentary Crip Camp as an educational kickoff for students.
A commission member said she met with the high school’s acting principal, Peter Damaro, and that the principal was “really into the idea” of a festival focused on Section 504 themes. The member said the festival likely would occur in the fall and that the high school and the local DCAT studio have usable equipment and editing suites for student productions.
Commission member Amy reported she researched rights and logistics for a public screening of Crip Camp. Amy said the film’s organizers provide a screening toolkit and a registration process and that "there does not appear to be any cost for the rights to screen it, which is really cool too." She said the toolkit permits educational one-time screenings, offers guidance for invitations and timelines, and states that screenings registered through the toolkit should not be used for fundraising or political campaigns.
Members discussed possible venues (the high school auditorium or AMC Danvers), judging criteria and prizes, and local fundraising. One member suggested pursuing gift certificates from downtown businesses if cash awards aren’t available; another offered to contact regional film festivals and local filmmakers for judges and logistics help.
Commissioners flagged an operational risk: the acting principal will be replaced July 1, and members asked if any activity should be advanced before the administrative change. One member said she had already raised the festival at a Danvers Cares meeting and planned to follow up with Superintendent Dan Bauer and the incoming principal so the project would not “get steamrolled.”
The commission agreed the media teacher, student participants and the commission should share responsibility for production, judging and fundraising, and members planned further meetings with the high school media teacher to firm up logistics.
Ending: The commission agreed to continue planning and to circulate a written festival proposal to members after the meeting; members said they would reach out to the principal, the superintendent and local partners to confirm timeline and permissions.
