Commemorating Disability in the Legacy of the Holocaust: A Chat with the Film Team Behind Disposable Humanity

Director Cameron S. Mitchell, Producer David T. Mitchell, and Executive Producer Steve Way are the film team behind Disposable Humanity which will screen at the Boston Jewish Film Festival on November 16th at 11am at the MFA. This panel serves as a follow up to the film and it is highly recommended that attendees attend the screening of the film beforehand. Disposable Humanity is the first feature film to solely focus on the Nazi Aktion T4 program that targeted disabled people and catalyzed the Holocaust from the perspective of disabled people. This talk will contain exclusive access to never before shared information and research by the filmmakers as they divulge the 25+ year process of researching and making the film Disposable Humanity. For more information, please visit www.disposablehumanity.com

Cameron S. Mitchell is an award-winning director, cinematographer, and producer whose work has carved an indelible mark in the film industry by championing authentic representations of disability – Cameron's work not only captivates audiences but also stands as a powerful force for change. In 2013, Cameron planted the seeds of CSM Productions, a creative haven where his ingenuity blossomed. From award-winning commercials to impactful documentaries like Elsa, featuring Deafblind trailblazer Elsa Sjunneson and off kilter narrative shorts like The Co-Op, Cameron's portfolio is a testament to his versatility. Cameron is a three-time official selection of the Slamdance Film Festival and a programmer and juror for the Slamdance Unstoppable program as well as Doc NYC. His directorial debut, Disposable Humanity, was the recipient of the audience award at Slamdance and details his family’s investigation of the Nazi Aktion T4 program that targeted disabled people and catalyzed the Holocaust.

David T. Mitchell is professor of English & Cultural Studies at George Washington University. He has published six (6) scholarly books in Disability Studies and is widely recognized as an international scholar of importance in the field. His co-edited collection (with Sharon Snyder), The Body and Physical Difference: Discourses of Disability (1997), was the first humanities-based collection of academic essays in the field. In 2001, he co-authored, Narrative Prosthesis: Disability and the Dependencies of Discourse, which forwarded a field-defining theory of disability representation that remains one of the most cited concepts in Disability Studies. At the center of his work are questions of disability embodiment as
providing alternative ethical maps of living. He is currently completing a new feature-length film with his son, Cameron S. Mitchell, on Nazi mass murders in psychiatric institutions titled Disposable Humanity.

Steve Way - Executive Producer
Steve is a 32 year old substitute teacher by day and stand up comedian by night. He was born with Muscular Dystrophy and is an advocate for disability awareness. Steve performs stand up in the NJ/NY area, motivational speeches around the country, and is the co-creator and star of the web series Uplifting Dystrophy. He can be seen in the Hulu show Ramy. Steve has been performing stand up for over 8 years with his first set at the Comedy Charity Explosion in his hometown of Rutherford, NJ. He has performed at the 2011 Bamboozle music festival and was the co-host of The Lockdown, a monthly stand up show at the People's Improv Theatre in New York City. Since the early age of 10, Steve has been public speaking, most notably with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He has spoken at major events and fundraisers and now does motivational speaking on overcoming adversity.

Who are these classes for?
Our classes are for everyone—whether you’re brand new to the topic or have been engaging with it for years, we encourage participation from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels. Unless otherwise noted, no prior knowledge or experience is needed. Not sure if a class is for you? Email us at Learning@Lehr.haus!
Why are there tickets at different prices?
Our tickets utilize a Pay-What-You-Can model so attendees can pay a range of prices based on what they are able to pay to allow for greater accessibility. Please select the price point that feels right for you.
Can I eat during class?
While we do not serve food in the study, you are welcome to order and enjoy drinks during class and join us for a meal before or after class. We highly recommend making a reservation if you know you'll be dining with us. Visit www.lehr.haus/reservation to check availability and book a table.
Getting to Lehrhaus?
Street parking is readily available on Washington Street or Beacon Street (Map). The meters all take quarters or can be paid through the ParkBoston or ParkMobile apps. The closest T stops are Union Square (Green Line D & E, 0.8 mile walk, or #109 bus) and Harvard Square (Red Line, 0.8 mile walk, or the #109 bus). There is a bus stop just out front, on Washington (#83 and #109).