DEFINING BEAUTY

FREE SCREENING OCTOBER 11TH IN LOS ANGELES, CA

2011-10-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

Join us on October 11th as we screen Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America as part of Syracuse University and The Inclusive Campus Event. Feature documentary Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America narrated by Golden Globe winner Katey Sagal is coming to Los Angeles- don't miss your opportunity to see this film!

Tuesday, October 11th at 5pm - Harmony Gold Preview House 7655 Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90046 The event is FREE so make sure to RSVP to invite.syr.edu/inclusive

Right after the screening at 6:15 there will be a reception followed by a program at 7pm with John Robinson and Loreen Arbus speaking.

Currently the award winning film Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America, narrated by Katey Sagal is touring the festival circuit. Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America is a captivating feature length documentary that proves a beauty pageant is more than just a sash and a crown. This inspiring piece follows five women with disabilities on their journeys towards the 2010 Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant and explores the lives they lead in the face of adversity. Each woman handles a multitude of challenges on a daily basis with grace and strength, showing that belief in oneself is the most powerful force in life.

Visit our blogspot:
www.definingbeautydoc.blogspot.com

Link to us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=60228618490 and twitter: https://twitter.com/definingmedia

Upcoming Festivals screening Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America

2011-08-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

Docutah - Southern Utah International Documentary Film Festival presented by Dixie State College in St. George, UT. The 2011 festival dates are September 8 - 17
http://www.docutah.com/

Eccles Main 10-Sep 6:30p–8:30p Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America
Red Cliff 2 10-Sep 7-10 p.m. Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America
Red Cliff 1 12-Sep 7-10 p.m. Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America
Red Cliff 3 15-Sep 7-10 p.m. Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America

2011 Global Peace Film Festival September 20–25, in Orlando, FL.
http://www.peacefilmfest.org/

Bend Film Festival October 6-9
http://www.bendfilm.org/

Friday, Oct. 7th, 5:30pm, McMenamins - Old St. Francis Theater
Saturday, Oct. 8th, 10:00am, The Oxford Hotel

Syracuse International Film Festival October 13-16
http://syrfilm.com/FILMfest.html

Syracuse International Film and Video Festival Accepted!

2011-07-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America has been accepted into the Syracuse International Film and Video Festival in October! Please check back for more details soon!

Long Island International Film Expo Screening!

2011-07-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

Are you in New York? Head to Long Island for the Long Island International Film Expo and see "Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America" on Sat. July 9th at 1:30pm http://youtu.be/UI7TVWBhUOw

Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America was nominated for best documentary and best first feature at the Long Island International Film Expo!

NEWS: Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America

2011-07-01T09:14:00.001-07:00

Hello Friends and Supporters!

We have had an exciting couple of months and wanted to share the news with you.

DEFINING BEAUTY just won BEST DOCUMENTARY at the Staten Island Film Festival!
Santina Muha, Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey 2009, attended the festival and participated in a Q&A for the audience.

The film also screened to two standing ovations at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, MI on June 10th and 11th. Director Alexis Ostrander and Amber Marcy, Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2009, were in attendance and led a Q&A to the sold out crowds.

OTHER NEWS:
DEFINING BEAUTY won the AUDIENCE AWARD for Documentary Film at the 2011 Newport Beach Film Festival.

NEXT UP:
Come see us at the Long Island International Film Expo on July 9th at 1:30 http://liifilmexpo.org/sections/films11/0029_Defining_Beauty.html

DEFINING BEAUTY to be honored in the BEST DOCUMENTARY competition at the 2011 Las Vegas Film Festival Sunday, July 17th at the Hilton Las Vegas
http://www.lvfilmfest.com/

Keep up with us and please invite your friends to follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/DEFINING-BEAUTY/108390208115
http://twitter.com/#!/definingmedia

Waterfront Film Festival- June 9-12, 2011

2011-06-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

Tickets for Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America Documentary are selling quick for the 2pm showing Saturday, June 11th at the Saugatuck Brewery...the film is also showing at 9am on Friday, June 10th at Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Tickets available online at www.waterfrontfilm.org Q&A with Amber Marcy, Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2009 and Director/Producer Alexis Ostrander. Hope to see you there!!

Come down and meet Santina Muha at the Staten Island Film Festival!

2011-06-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

Staten Island Film Festival Sat 6/11 * 12p * St. George Theatre! http://bit.ly/knzd7g

Official Laurels for Defining Beauty winning the Audience Award at Newport Beach!!

2011-05-24T15:17:00.001-07:00

Defining Beauty takes home the Audience Award for Best Documentary!

2011-05-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

DEFINING BEAUTY: Ms. Wheelchair America won the Audience Award Winner Documentary at The Newport Beach Film Festival!
Thanks to everyone who came out, helped and supported throughout the years! More festivals to come!
Click below to read more about the awards given at the Newport Beach Film Festival!

http://www.movingpicturesnetwork.com/27052/newport-beach-film-festival-lists-winners/

http://www.ocregister.com/entertainment/won-299522-best-festival.html

Newport Beach Film Festival Recap

2011-05-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 1st marked the world premiere of “Defining Beauty: Ms.Wheelchair America” at the 2011 Newport Beach Film Festival. "Defining Beauty" won the Audience Award for Best Documentary Film at the Festival. Set in beautiful coastal Orange County the Newport Beach Film Festival was a perfect fit for the world premiere of “Defining Beauty” because of its dedication to showcasing a diverse selection of studio and independent films that offer a forum for cultural understanding and enriching educational opportunities.

The world premiere was a huge success with attendees including numerous of the women featured in the film along with director/producer Alexis Ostrander, producers Meagan Keane and Molly Kasch, editor Rita K. Sanders, as well as Director of Photography David J. Fredrick who was recently awarded the 2011 SOC Camera Operator of the year award for his work on “Sons of Anarchy”. The audience response was glowing as they were afforded the opportunity to ask questions to the production team as well as the women from film following the screening. Special appreciation was given to the film’s dedication to showing the truth behind these women’s lives and the drama as well as the emotion that comes with any pageant.

Once the premiere was complete family and friends of the cast and crew joined together to celebrate at Skosh Monahan’s in Newport Beach for a premiere party sponsored by NBCUniversal Diversity, Cayman Blue Vodka and UCP of Orange County. The accolades continued to roll in as everyone ate, drank and danced into the night.

Following their hugely successful world premiere the production team of “Defining Beauty: Ms.Wheelchair America” now turns their attention to a large-scale fundraiser “Taste of Beauty Weekend” in Atlanta. Defining Media LLC, the production company behind “Defining Beauty”, has partnered with the Burton Blatt Institute of Atlanta to help raise funds for the film and for the support of children with disabilities across the country. Executive Producer Manuela Ikenze has been on location in Atlanta since December of 2010 prepping for the event, which will take place, May 14-15th and will showcase the talents of disabled children and young people of Atlanta along with a VIP screening of the film. For those interested in supporting Taste of Beauty but not in the Atlanta area, monetary donations can be made (as little as $20 is helpful) at the link below.

For more information-

TRAILER: http://bit.ly/151d4d
Taste of Beauty Weekend: http://tasteofbeautysoutheast.org/
Twitter: @definingmedia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/DEFINING-BEAUTY/108390208115

Come down and join us at Newport Beach Film Festival!

2011-04-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

Look at Andy Dick's latest tweet w/ the girls!!

http://twitpic.com/4rbwpw

Andy Dick hanging with Michelle and Santina.

Santina grabs a shot with Russell Brand!

Santina and Michelle on the red carpet for the feature film LUCKY directed by Gil Cates, Jr.

Michelle and Santina getting a picture with the star from LUCKY, Colin Hanks.

Buy your tickets for the World Premiere of Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America

2011-04-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE!

Taste of Beauty Event May 14th in Atlanta, Georgia

2011-04-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

Join us! Help us find one's “beauty mark.” The contestants featured in Defining Beauty empower women with disabilities to realize their full potential and to make their marks in the workforce and society.

By becoming part of the Taste of Beauty Talent Showcase & Weekend, you will help give people with disabilities the same opportunity to showcase their skills through mentorship and job shadowing programs with Georgia's elite workforce.

To learn more CLICK HERE.

World Premiere at The Newport Beach Film Festival

2011-03-08T07:44:00.000-08:00

Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America, narrated by Katey Sagal, will have it's World Premiere at The Newport Beach Film Festival (Official). Will update everyone soon with more details!!

Congratulations to our wonderful DP, Dave Frederick for his SOC Award!!

2011-02-09T09:20:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America Director of Photography, Dave Frederick, for winning Camera Operator of the year for his work on the television show Sons of Anarchy!

Congratulations to our amazing narrator, Katey Sagal for her Golden Globe!

2011-01-19T09:43:00.000-08:00

Katey Sagal, who plays the ruthless matriarch of an outlaw motorcycle gang in FX's "Sons of Anarchy," was honored with a Golden Globe for lead actress in a television drama. Congratulations Katey!!

Katey Sagal did the Voice Over narration for Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America. Above Katey Sagal is pictured in the recording booth for the film.

Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America will have it's World Premiere at The Newport Beach Film Festival. More details coming soon.

Defining Beauty rethinks Disabilities

2010-12-21T22:16:00.000-08:00

Please check out the article on the documentary Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America from the informational screening at syracuse.com. Click Here!

INFORMATIONAL SCREENING IN OCTOBER!

2010-09-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

Please Join us for an informational Screening Of Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America at the Syracuse International Film Festival.

Informational Screening of Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America
The Palace Theatre
2384 James St
Syracuse, NY 13206
Saturday, October 16th
12:30pm
Q&A with the filmmakers and Ms. Wheelchair America 2009

Hamburger Mary's Event

2010-09-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Hamburger Mary's Fundraiser for Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America.

CONGRATS JOHN FINKLEA!

2010-09-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

John Finklea won an EMMY for his music editing work on THE PACIFIC. John has joined the Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America team and is currently working with the composer, Dave Flemming on the film.

Legendary Bingo Fundraiser

2010-08-04T18:19:00.000-07:00

Join us for Legendary Bingo at Hamburger Mary's
Hosted by Aynsley Bubbico (GREEK)

Wed. September 1st at 7pm
8228 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood

Starring Bingo Boy and Bridgette of Madison County

$20 at the Door Donation
includes 10 Regular Bingo Cards
(for 9 regular games)
And 2 Grand Prize Bingo Cards
(for 1 grand prize game)

Please Vote for Defining Beauty in Pepsi Refresh Project

2010-05-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Please CLICK HERE & VOTE NOW to help us spread the word about our nonprofit documentary film, Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America!

We are competing in Pepsi's Refresh Project for $25,000 which will allow us to show YOU a thought provoking film about four dynamic women with disabilities on their journey to the 2010 Ms. Wheelchair America pageant that will challenge the way you view beauty, pageantry and disabilities.

Please VOTE, EACH DAY at (http://www.refresheverything.com/definingbeauty) and select Complete the documentary DEFINING BEAUTY: Ms. Wheelchair America.

Each vote helps us reach our goal of changing the lives of people with disability by breaking stigmas and raising awareness one person at a time!

We thank you for your support!

The Defining Beauty Team
Please take a moment to vote at:
http://www.refresheverything.com/definingbeauty
Defining Beauty's Trailer: http://bit.ly/151d4d

Abilities Expo

2010-04-29T13:21:00.000-07:00

Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America had the opportunity to have a booth at the Abilities Expo this year at the Los Angeles Convention center. Where we launched our fundraising campaign selling scarves that were designed for Defining Beauty. While we were at the Expo we had the chance to catch up with some Ms. Wheelchair contestants that were featured in the documentary, Ms.Wheelchair America: Erika Bogan, Ms. Wheelchair NJ: Santina Muha and Ms. Wheelchair California: Alyson Roth. Alyson Roth crowned the new Ms. Wheelchair California 2010 Jennifer Kumiyama on Saturday April 10th.

Thanks to all our volunteers and everyone that stopped by the Defining Beauty booth!

Ms. Wheelchair California 2010 Crowned

2010-04-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

On April 10th, Jennifer Kumiyama was crowned Ms Wheelchair California 2010 at the Abilities Expo in Los Angeles. Kumiyama had been a professional singer at Disney's California Adventure Theme Park in "Aladdin; A Musical Spectacular" for the past 7 years and found a new love and passion for motivational speaking. It is important to Kumiyama to raise awareness of the disabled community through activism, volunteer work and by educating others. "Inclusion is vital in this big world of possibilities."

All rights reserved, copyright Beth Dubber

Writer's Wish List Event

2010-03-13T07:01:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Writer's Wish List Event to support the documentary Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America!!!

For More pictures from the event please check out the slide show.

YOU'RE INVITED...

2010-02-19T14:34:00.000-08:00

Meet the people who can help jump start your career and fulfill your 'Writer's Wish List' before staffing season!

This is an amazing night for writers to get a head start in the game... with chances to win pitch & general meeting(s) with CAA Lit Agent, KSA TV Lit Agent, the SVP of Drama Programming at NBC, the Development Exec at Lionsgate and much more...including winning office/workspace at BLANKSPACES!

PLUS, talk with Oscar & Golden Globe nominated writer, Rob Edwards (Disney's Princess & the Frog), SVP of Development & Production at George Lopez Presents!, Jen Grisanti, writer consultant/ former exec at Spelling TV & CBS/ Paramount and writers from GREEK and BATMAN, the animated series, in a relaxed environment.

Help us make this a great event!

Enjoy one hour hosted bar from 8 - 9pm sponsored by Hpnotiq.

DATE & TIME: Weds., March 10th @ 8pm

WHERE: FALCON~ 7213 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood CA 90046

FOR TICKETS & FURTHER INFO: Go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/98698
For a limited time industry tickets are $25 ~ use the password Industry
Tickets in advance $30
Tickets at the door $40

Proceeds benefit the non-profit documentary Defining Beauty narrated by Katey Sagal

See you there!!

Defining Beauty Production Team
XX

Hamburger Mary's Fundraiser Pictures

2010-02-19T14:20:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came out!

xx- The Defining Beauty Team

For more photos please see the slide show.

Legendary Bingo

2010-01-17T11:45:00.000-08:00

Join us for Legendary Bingo at Hamburger Mary's
Wed. February 17th at 7pm
8228 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood

Starring Bingo Boy and Bridgette of Madison County

$20 at the Door Donation
includes 10 Regular Bingo Cards
(for 9 regular games)
And 2 Grand Prize Bingo Cards
(for 1 grand prize game)

Prizes include Beauty Baskets, Ghost Whisperer & Entourage gift bags, Free Limo service & More!

YOUR "LUCKY BREAK"/MIXER

2010-01-04T15:41:00.000-08:00

Hello friends!! Check out this event where the proceeds go to the documentary DEFINING BEAUTY!

Want to meet the people who can help jump start your career?

Come to Your "Lucky Break" Event, hosted by Director Gil Cates Jr.
Meet Casting from top film offices, Development Execs and Producers!

Plus win a mtg /consults with Innovative Artist Talent Agent, Manager from Evolution Ent, A-List Director...and much more.

Special guests including Manager from Evolution Entertainment (makers of Saw), Casting Directors / Associates from Blood Diamond, Bride Wars, Ali, and Gilmore Girls!

Enjoy free signature drinks from 8 - 9pm sponsored by PAMA Liquer.
DJ Devoux will be spinning!

Start the New Year right!!

Go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/94208 for tickets

Tickets in advance $30
Tickets at the door $40

CITIZEN JOURNALISM: Pageant winner 'adapts' to help

2009-11-12T06:49:00.000-08:00

Check out this article on Ms. Wheelchair D.C., Angela Miller. The documentary Defining Beauty is featured: Click here to read!

Excerpt from the article on the documentary:

At the national pageant in Rapid City, S.D., in August, Ms. Miller was interviewed for an independent documentary, "Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America." It followed five women as they competed for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America 2010. The winner was Ms. Wheelchair North Carolina, Erika Bogan, who has been a paraplegic since a 2002 automobile accident.

"Angela's strength, perseverance, and great sense of humor are truly inspiring," Director Alexis Ostrander said. "She and the other contestants don't let their disability define who they are. They're breaking stigmas through their advocacy work, helping to change society's perception of what it means to have a disability."

Back from Nationals

2009-09-01T18:06:00.001-07:00

Check back soon for pictures and updates.

Hosted by Lisa Kline - 'Defining Beauty' Documentary kick-off fundraiser event

2009-08-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

You are invited to the Defining Beauty kick-off fundraiser hosted by Lisa Kline.

Benefiting the inspiring documentary ‘Defining Beauty’...the road to Ms. Wheelchair America

Brought to you by: The creators of Defining Beauty documentary

Host: Lisa Kline

Special Guest: Peter Wilderotter, President & CEO - Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

When: Wednesday, August 19 @ 7PM

Where: X Bar – Hyatt Regency Century Plaza

Cost: $40.00

We look forward to seeing you there!

SAVE THE DATE

2009-08-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

SAVE THE DATE: On Weds., Aug 19th @ 7 PM, the director & producers of the inspiring documentary "Defining Beauty: The Road to Ms. Wheelchair America" are hosting a celebrity fundraiser in support of the project's completion. The film follows the journey of five contestants working to conquer stereotypes surrounding the popular definition of beauty, all while competing to be crowned Ms. Wheelchair America. Please join us for great networking, entertainment and a sneak peak of the film. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

XABLE Interview with the Director and Executive Producer from Defining Beauty

2009-08-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

Last week Manuela and Alexis had the opportunity to be interviewed by Tiffiny Carlson from Xable.com - Lifestyle: "No Free Rides". Check out the podcast HERE.

In this episode, Tiffiny focuses on Defining Beauty, a documentary centered around the journey and personality of five Ms. Wheelchair America contestants on their way to the 2009-2010 pageant. Alexis Ostrander and Manuela Ikenze share their experiences producing, directing, and filming these contestants from across the U.S. Tiffiny also discusses favorite at-home beauty tips.

Hanging Ten with Simon Baker

2009-07-22T13:39:00.001-07:00

Hanging Ten with Simon Baker, CBS The Mentalist RT @extratv http://bit.ly/15uTXC

Sky High After Dive

2009-07-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

Check out this article.

SKYDIVING DIVA

2009-07-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Check out the article!

Speechless

2009-07-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am speechless; words can’t even begin to describe the week that I’m having with Contestant 2. We have been going non-stop that I haven’t even really had time to sit and write. When I arrived last week we jumped straight into her life from following her as she reads to the local library, getting her makeup done at MAC and Skydiving from 10,000 feet.

Yesterday I was in awe as nine people in chairs jumped out of, as Contestant 2 likes to put it, “A perfectly good airplane.” These men and women came together because of Contestant 2’s advocacy in the community. There were over 30 people watching and jumping throughout the day. SKYDIVE Inc. led the dive making special harnesses to keep the jumper’s legs up.

Shooting throughout the day was great until the doors flew open as I was filming Contestant 2 and her and the Tandem instructor Bill scooted out, I had a rush of fear. Seeing her jump out of the plane gave me such courage. All in all it was an amazing, fun filled day.

Today we will be filming the 4th of July parade where Contestant 2 had a custom built float, which she will ride on.

Motivated Ms. Wheelchair hopes to inspire others

2009-06-24T19:00:00.001-07:00

Check out the article!

On the Road Again...

2009-06-21T07:14:00.001-07:00

Wrapping up with final interviews with Michelle, Ms. Wheelchair America and her husband Brian. It's been such an amazing week. Working out, soccer, mini cooper racing and bike riding with Michelle. She stays so active.

We continued shooting with Contestant One who handles two jobs working full time at Shriners Hospital and her work as a titleholder. We got to watch her get fitted for Power Soccer, consult with patients at Shriners, Karaoke with girlfriends and plan a weekend getaway for Shirners patients graduating high school.

We will be leaving tonight to drive 1400 miles to begin our journey with Contestant Two on Friday.

YEEHAW!

2009-06-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

So last week we found out that a major sponsor we had been communicating with fell through, so instead of flights we loaded up the car and began the 1600 miles drive to our first destination, Texas. We made the drive in 24 hours and as soon as we arrived within an hour I was shooting the Moonlight bike ride for the Houston Police Department. I arrived simply thinking that we would be filming Ms. Wheelchair America Michelle and her husband Brian taking off and then I'd be able to film them looping back around. They had a bike and a helmet ready for me so I threw the camera and gear into a book bag and road the ten miles with them while filming. It was truly an amazing night with downtown Houston in the background as the bikers lined up to raise money. There were over ten people with adaptive bikes out for the event and hundreds of other bikers.

Saturday I spent the day with Contestant One as she got her eyebrows waxed and ran some errands. She also attended the VIP party for the Classy Chasis, which we joined her at. On Sunday we filmed her as she promoted and sold tickets at the Classy Chasis. All the proceeds go to the Shriner's hospital for Children.

Also on Sunday we got to film Michelle as she prepped her mini cooper for the raceway. For six hours we shot as the cars raced around the racetrack. Brian took me out on his first ride around the track, which was thrilling. I wasn't able to speak at all, just holding on for dear life. Michelle's whole family races so her parents and brother were also out of the day.

The weekend was truly an adventure with filming. We will be with Ms. Wheelchair America and Contestant One until June 21.

PREPPING

2009-06-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Just beginning to prep for a month an a half of shooting with the amazing women we have selected to follow. Due to not being able to announce who we are following for the documentary until after August, we will be refering to the women as Contestant 1, Contestant 2, Contestant 3, Contestant 4, Contestant 5 and Ms. Wheelchair America. Please check in for updates as we begin our journey this week.

Cheers!

Bogan crowned Ms. Wheelchair N.C. in Asheville

2009-05-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

Concord, N.C., resident Erika Bogan lives by a simple motto: “Anything is possible.”Check the article out here.

Ms. Wheelchair NJ

2009-05-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

NSCIA Communications Associate Named Ms. Wheelchair NJ. Check out an article on Santina Muha.

Lawrenceville native overcomes adversity Roth wins Ms. Wheelchair California competition

2009-05-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

Alyson Roth is in the Gwinnett Daily Post newspaper today! (Her home town newspaper)

Ms. Wheelchair California 2009: The Price Is Right

2009-04-13T17:24:00.000-07:00

Alyson Roth became the first person ever in a wheelchair to be called down on the Price Is Right in the 38 years the show has been aired. This show was aired on April 13, 2009.

News: Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2009

2009-04-08T23:46:00.000-07:00

Check out the new Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2009 Joan Manley from Lexington, Virginia is this year's winner.

News: Ms. Wheelchair California 2009

2009-04-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

CBS Channel 13 News in Sacramento wrote a great article and posted the video on their website of Alyson Roth's crowning. Click here to view it.

Director's Statement

2009-04-08T20:10:00.000-07:00

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.

Ms. Wheelchair America

2009-04-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

MS.WHEELCHAIR AMERICA is a feature length documentary focusing on the extraordinary lives of the women and their journey toward the 2010 Ms. Wheelchair America pageant. It is the story of women who challenge themselves on a daily basis to live life beyond their limitations and by doing so, redefine the perception of beauty and what it means to be disabled.

Women from twenty-seven states, with different disabilities, compete in this national competition every year. Since 1972 the mission of Ms. Wheelchair America has been to “provide an opportunity for women of achievement, who happen to be wheelchair users, to successfully educate and advocate for the more than 52 million Americans living with disabilities.” Unlike traditional beauty pageants, this is not a contest to select the most attractive contestant, instead it’s a competition based on “advocacy, achievement, communication and presentation to select the most accomplished and articulate spokesperson for individuals with disabilities.”

Though the framework of MS.WHEELCHAIR AMERICA will follow these women toward the national competition in South Dakota, the real stories will follow the amazing lives they lead. They are mothers, students, peace corps-volunteers, social activists, teachers, political and community figures. As we travel with them and learn their obstacles in life, we will also look at societal views of people with disabilities. However, this film will transcend disabilities by exploring the universal and timeless issues of femininity, independence and identity.