In a world where normative standards often dominate without reflection, Fridolin Schönwiese's film IT WORKS offers a sensitive and profound perspective on the lives and challenges of four children with disabilities. Through the lens of his camera, seemingly ordinary activities become extraordinary achievements, each filmed moment a testament to determination and humanity. Gerald and the power of words: Gerald sits at his desk, his fine motor skills not preventing him from overcoming a significant hurdle. With careful effort, he forms letters, syllables and words. Lilian and freedom in the water: In the swimming pool, Lilian shows how she overcomes the physical limitations of her body. With every strong arm stroke and every skillful dive, she defies what she lacks and proves that wholeness is not only defined by physical completeness. Valentin and the dance of gestures: Valentin sits, surrounded by music that flows through headphones. The sounds he hears are translated into a visual symphony by his body. Every movement, every angle of his fingers corresponds to a note that he not only hears but lives. Michael and the art of communication: Michael tells his mother about his day at school. Every word, every sound that comes out of him is a building block for the bridge he is building between his world and that of his mother. Through these four portraits, IT WORKS unfolds a narrative structure that is more than a documentation of disability; it is a celebration of individual achievement and human resilience. Each child, each action and each filmed moment speaks volumes about the meaning of inclusion and the power of human will. Fridolin Schönwiese manages to use slowness as a space for deeper insight and genuine encounters, inviting us to question and expand our own perceptions.
Documentary, Icons & Media Art
21min
16+
DE
DE
IT WORKS tells seemingly ordinary stories that are a celebration of the individual achievements of the four protagonists.
In a world where normative standards often dominate without reflection, Fridolin Schönwiese's film IT WORKS offers a sensitive and profound perspective on the lives and challenges of four children with disabilities. Through the lens of his camera, seemingly ordinary activities become extraordinary achievements, each filmed moment a testament to determination and humanity.
Gerald and the power of words: Gerald sits at his desk, his fine motor skills not preventing him from overcoming a significant hurdle. With careful effort, he forms letters, syllables and words.
Lilian and freedom in the water: In the swimming pool, Lilian shows how she overcomes the physical limitations of her body. With every strong arm stroke and every skillful dive, she defies what she lacks and proves that wholeness is not only defined by physical completeness.
Valentin and the dance of gestures: Valentin sits, surrounded by music that flows through headphones. The sounds he hears are translated into a visual symphony by his body. Every movement, every angle of his fingers corresponds to a note that he not only hears but lives.
Michael and the art of communication: Michael tells his mother about his day at school. Every word, every sound that comes out of him is a building block for the bridge he is building between his world and that of his mother.
Through these four portraits, IT WORKS unfolds a narrative structure that is more than a documentation of disability; it is a celebration of individual achievement and human resilience. Each child, each action and each filmed moment speaks volumes about the meaning of inclusion and the power of human will. Fridolin Schönwiese manages to use slowness as a space for deeper insight and genuine encounters, inviting us to question and expand our own perceptions.