What's Happening?
Diane Nutting, an Accessibility and Inclusion Consultant working with Smithsonian Folklife, is involved in the centennial celebration of the 1926 silent film 'The Flying Ace.' This event aims to bring attention to the film's historical significance, particularly
its all-Black cast and the prominent role of Black disabled actor Steve Reynolds. Nutting emphasizes the groundbreaking nature of the film for its time, noting its all-Black cast in 1926. The celebration is part of the ReelAbilities Rediscover project, in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, and is aligned with the 'Culture of, by, and for the People' initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The project seeks to explore the intersection of disability, music, and contemporary access practices through the film.
Why It's Important?
Diane Nutting's involvement and the centennial celebration of 'The Flying Ace' are crucial for re-evaluating American film history and promoting inclusivity. The film's rediscovery highlights the long-standing presence of Black and disabled actors in cinema, challenging common misconceptions about representation. By showcasing Steve Reynolds, a Black disabled actor who played a significant, non-tragic role, the project addresses the historical erasure of marginalized communities in film. This initiative is particularly important in the context of America 250, as it tells a more complete story of American culture and folklore through diverse traditions. The collaboration with ReelAbilities and the Smithsonian underscores a commitment to making historical content accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences, fostering a deeper understanding of intersectionality in arts and culture.
What's Next?
The centennial celebration of 'The Flying Ace' includes screenings and discussions, with a premiere at Indiana University. The project aims to serve as a pilot for a larger initiative to rediscover other films featuring little-known disabled actors. A new, partially improvised live score by Grammy Award-winning blind musicians Matthew Whitaker and Robert Derke accompanies the film, offering a unique and accessible viewing experience. Additionally, a unique audio description has been created to address the specific challenges of a silent film, including intertitles and the absence of ambient sound. Organizers hope these efforts will inspire historians to research Steve Reynolds' life and other forgotten disabled actors, encouraging a broader re-examination of film history and promoting greater accessibility in cinematic experiences.
Beyond the Headlines
The rediscovery and celebration of 'The Flying Ace' and Steve Reynolds have profound implications for how society views disability and race in media. It challenges the prevailing narrative that disabled actors are a recent phenomenon or that intersectionality in film is a modern concept. By bringing this 1926 film to the forefront, the project encourages a critical re-evaluation of historical representation and the systemic biases that have led to the marginalization of certain stories and individuals. The emphasis on accessibility, through live music and detailed audio descriptions, also sets a new standard for how historical films can be presented to diverse audiences, ensuring that cultural heritage is inclusive. This initiative contributes to a broader cultural shift towards recognizing and celebrating the contributions of all communities to American history and art, fostering a more equitable and representative understanding of the past.
