Actors with special needs showcase latent talent

Finding ability within a person with disability is not impossible, but is rarely acknowledged or practiced. America-based Rupam Sarmah, who has earned a doctorate doing research on autism and artificial intelligence, has written and directed a film based on real-life stories, which is a platform for young adults with disabilities where they can shine.

The film, One Little Finger, is a story of going against all odds and taking on the challenge of training these people with disabilities to act in the film.

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Some of them have genetic disorders, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, autism, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis or dementia. The film’s primary goal is to raise awareness of human rights issues and promote inclusion and diversity. Over a billion people live with some form of disability. People are disabled by society, not just by their bodies, said the director.

One Little Finger is a narrative feature film in the US, co-produced in India, with a theme of Ability in Disability.

The cast and crew come from Assam, Kolkata, South India, Mumbai, and the USA. All main characters with disabilities are portrayed by real-life individuals. Hollywood star Tamela D’Amico plays a lead role in the film. Oscar-nominated composer and actress Siedah Garrett plays the role of Dr Claudia. Notable actors include Jonathan Stoddard, Malaya Goswami, Jaya Seal Ghosh, Pabitra Rabha, Soumili Ghosh Biswas, Siddhartha Mukherjee, Alakananda Ray, Kushal Chakrabarty, Biplab Ghosh, and others.

“I have been working with many schools and NGOs which deal with students with disabilities or special needs. My research is on autism and artificial intelligence which allowed me to mingle with young adults with mental health issues. All this helped me choose my characters as I knew that they have talent. The challenge was how to put them together for a story. It took me almost five years to select and train my special actors.

Actor Jaya Seal Ghosh is happy to be part of the cast. “It subject is so sensitive and serious and the case is noble. Everyone has done wonderful work in the film. I felt so much connected working with so many special children. The film conveys a very meaningful message.”