Disability Representation on film
Image Description: The official movie poster for “Quad Gods” is titled in large white sans serif text. There is a subtext at the top that says “The world was not designed for them. So they created their own” and the HBO Original logo in white above the documentary title. The main image is of three Black disabled characters in their black power wheelchairs on the streets of New York, each wearing their Quad Gods team shirt. They wear expressions of joy, determination, and empowerment. The overall edit theme is dark and moody, mixed with green and orange hues. The text at the bottom of the poster reads in white sans serif text “New Documentary July 10|MAX”.
Image Description: Two photos taken by Kae’s phone of a scene from the documentary film, “Quad Gods” playing from her projector onto her wall, stitched together to show the subtitles of one of the main characters speaking, reflecting by the water. He says “I’m gonna celebrate the little accomplishments because those are the things you take for granted”.
I really enjoyed watching HBO’s Quad Gods documentary. I appreciated all aspects of authentic storytelling and disability representation, especially through the lens of Black Disabled voices—which felt like a breath of fresh air.
Quad Gods is the first ever all-quadriplegic e-sports team. The film explores the world of gaming, Al, technology, community, and poetic reflections on living in a disabled body. Highly relatable despite different medical diagnoses' and an insightful, humanizing watch. Although, I would've liked to see and learn more about the impact gaming has on neuroscience and the gaming world for players with disabilities in general.
TLDR: recommend watching!