BBC 3 documentary exploring what it's like to be a teenager living with sight loss.....
The Blind Me
Every young person is keen to grow up and be treated as an adult, accepted for who they are or simply to 'fit in'. The transition to adulthood is never easy, but what is it like if you are blind? As part of the 'Adult Season', Firecracker Films brings 'The Blind Me' to BBC 3, Wed 21 July, 9pm.
Pivotal moments
Following four young people who are blind or partially sighted as they reach pivotal moments in their life, such as first love and finding a job, to living independently and storming the local night club, The Blind Me provides a warm and intimate insight into teenage lives with a difference. Despite the fact that their sight conditions can make everyday tasks very complicated, the determination of these four young people to lead a fulfilling and independent life is inspiring and at times heartbreaking. These spirited young people are keen to challenge what they see as the public's naive perceptions of blindness and do so with wit and humour.
Dave Foulkes, Producer and Director of the film, said: "I wanted to follow the young people starring in The Blind Me as though they were talking to their mates, in a relaxed, honest and warm way that immediately set straight any preconceptions viewers may have had about being blind. Because of their honesty, they really bring home how they have to adapt because of their sight problems. None of them are self-pitying, just determined to be independent and enjoy themselves.
Judgements
"One of the things you learn with making films like this is never to make judgements based on things you don't know about. I had spent a day wearing a blindfold to try and understand how it might be for them - something that Dwight rightly pulled me up on, saying it wasn't the same as being blind because I could take it off and a day wasn't very long. Hopefully this documentary goes some way is showing just exactly why that is so true."
The Blind Me was made in consultation with RNIB, the Royal National Institute of Blind People, and will be shown on BBC 3, Wednesday 21 July, 9pm.
ENDS
If you would like to interview one of the young people who star in the documentary or would like any further information, contact RNIB on 020 7391 2223, or email: susan.duncan@rnib.org.uk