Director's Statement

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
Alexis Ostrander

The idea for this project was sparked at a Sundance panel discussion on documentaries in January 2008, where TROUBLE THE WATER director, Tia Lessin urged the audience to simply pick up a camera and make a film about their passion. During that inspirational moment, I knew I wanted to make a film about people who overcome adversity in light of some serious and often life-threatening obstacles. In 1998 I cheered on my sister-in-law, Leslie Ostrander, as she competed for the title of Ms.Wheelchair America in North Carolina. A C7 incomplete quadriplegic from the age of 4, Leslie has spent the majority of her life in a wheelchair and has always a source of inspiration for my work. It was through watching Leslie's experiences that I started to understand the limitless ways that one woman’s life can be forever changed by their participation in this unique pageant. I have always been an active advocate for people with disabilities and believe that documentary film has the potential to be monumental in strengthening the voice of people living with disabilities. Remembering that exciting night in 1998 I knew that MS.WHEELCHAIR AMERICA was the perfect story combination to illustrate the struggles of people living in wheelchairs with the obstacles of personal identity faced by every woman across the United States. Meeting with the MWA board of directors on numerous occasions, researching and learning the ins and outs of the organization I have been developing MS.WHEELCHAIR AMERICA since 2008.