ITVX is spotlighting new talent with short films for Disability History Month, focusing on diversity and inclusion.
- ITV premieres 2 regional producers’ and directors’ works through its Disability History Month programming on ITVX and YouTube.
- Molly Dennis, Richard Walker, and Stephanie Symington-Kurth are among the debuting producer/directors.
- Richard Walker presents ‘Unfiltered Women,’ where bold disabled women discuss their experiences.
- Stephanie Symington-Kurth’s ‘Date My Nan’ showcases disabled makeup artists preparing elders for dates.
ITV is taking a significant step forward in promoting diversity and inclusion through its Disability History Month programming. By giving two regional producers and directors their first major platform, ITV is committed to showcasing unique voices and stories. Available on ITVX and ITV’s YouTube Channel, these short films are a testament to the talent within the disabled community.
Molly Dennis, Richard Walker, and Stephanie Symington-Kurth are at the forefront, making their producer/director debuts for ITV. Richard Walker, based in Manchester, introduces ‘Unfiltered Women,’ a groundbreaking chat show. This program features three outspoken disabled women—Samantha Renke, Fats Timbo, and Jay Howard—who openly discuss the challenges and realities of living in a world not built for them. Walker’s expertise and perspective bring authenticity to this conversation, making it both engaging and informative.
Stephanie Symington-Kurth, another emerging voice, presents ‘Date My Nan.’ This delightful program follows disabled makeup artists as they transform grandmothers for blind dates. As a freelance professional holding a first-class degree in Media and Communications from Glasgow Caledonian University, Symington-Kurth captivates audiences with her creative storytelling. Her experience, including work on popular shows like ‘Dragons’ Den’ and ‘Food Unwrapped,’ positions her as a promising talent in the industry.
Both ‘Unfiltered Women’ and ‘Date My Nan’ are part of ITV’s ‘Fresh Cuts’ initiative, funded by the Diversity Commissioning Fund. This £80m venture was launched in 2022 to enhance representation across the network. By nurturing talent like Walker and Symington-Kurth, ITV is not only diversifying its content but also empowering underrepresented communities to share their stories.
ITVX’s initiative during Disability History Month serves as a vital platform for diverse voices, paving the way for more inclusive storytelling.
