# Access Horror Film Festival Focuses on Disability

> Horror film festival highlights disability by centering ableism as the horror.
- Title: Access Horror Film Festival Focuses on Disability · Variety
- Summary: Horror film festival highlights disability by centering ableism as the horror. Ariel Baska, a deaf-blind filmmaker, explains how accessibility barriers in…
- Keywords: access, horror, film festival, disability, ableism, narrative, festival, entertainment, culture, Film, Focuses, Variety
- Source: Variety — https://variety.com/2026/film/features/access-horror-film-festival-disability-horrror-1236916976
- Author: Isabelle Farina
- Published: 2026-10-20T23:32:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: access, horror, film festival, disability, ableism, narrative, festival, entertainment, culture
## Ariel Baska
Ariel Baska traded their 15-year career teaching Latin for the film industry.

> I found that all of these doors were closed to me because I could not literally walk in the front door
## Accessibility Barriers
As someone on the deaf-blind spectrum with mobility impairments, Baska found networking spots inaccessible.
## Film Industry Challenge
Baska explains how physical barriers prevent people with disabilities from accessing industry networking events.
## Key takeaway

Ariel Baska, a deaf-blind filmmaker, explains how accessibility barriers in film industry hinder networking for people with disabilities.