Search
Last week, members of The Arc of Ventura County attended a special private screening of the new Netflix film Color Book in Pasadena, CA on the day of its premiere. Following the screening, Executive Director Esther Anaya moderated a panel discussion featuring members of their own Project R and Co-Advocates of Ventura County, who shared their personal reflections on the film and the importance of authentic disability representation.
Color Book tells the story of a single father raising his son, Mason, who has Down syndrome, as they navigate grief, family, and the challenges of everyday life. The film resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom saw their own experiences reflected on screen.
“The movie portrayed how not every day is a good day. However, the right attitude and approach can turn things around,” shared Ramon P., while participant Sam B. added, “Everyone should watch the movie at least once. It gives people a glimpse of what we go through on a daily basis.”
The discussion that followed the screening reinforced the power of storytelling to build understanding and create meaningful conversations about disability, inclusion, and belonging. By sharing their lived experiences, self-advocates, staff and community members helped demonstrate why authentic representation matters both on screen and in our communities.
The Arc of Ventura County is doing an incredible job of creating opportunities that elevate the voices of people with disabilities and foster greater understanding through the arts.
“Stories have the power to build empathy, create understanding, and remind us that inclusion begins with seeing one another as people first,” said Esther.
Click HERE to watch a short video of the private screening event on Facebook.