Austin Film Festival with Writer & Director Allison Norlian

Off The Crutch Podcast

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I can't get enough of Austin! Last month I went back and visited, but this time, it was for the Austin Film Festival. My guest today is Allison Norlian, who I met at the festival. Allison Norlian is a three-time Emmy-nominated journalist, filmmaker, and co-founder of BirdMine, a production company dedicated to amplifying the voices and stories of people with disabilities and other underrepresented communities. Through BirdMine, Allison writes, directs, and produces short- and long-form documentaries and narrative films that aim to shift perceptions and inspire social change.

Currently, Allison is in post-production for Meandering Scars, a documentary she co-filmed, wrote, and produced. She also wrote and co-directed Thirteen, a short film that has screened internationally and was an official selection at festivals including the Austin Film Festival, Austin Jewish Film Festival, California Women's Film Festival, and Independent Shorts Awards.

Allison's career as a journalist and filmmaker has always been fueled by a desire to champion the voices of those too often unheard, including her profoundly disabled sister. Her work has consistently highlighted critical issues affecting people with disabilities and other vulnerable communities. Recognized for her impact, Allison received a Catalyst for Change award from the ARC of Virginia and earned an Emmy nomination for an investigation that exposed abuse in an assisted living facility.

With each project, Allison’s goal remains the same: to shift the way the world views disability, bringing dignity, depth, and humanity to these stories.
You can check Allison's work out at https://www.birdmine.com/

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