What do Martin Scorsese, Joe Wright, Quentin Tarantino, Steve McQueen and Steven Spielberg all have in common aside from their directing prowess? They are all dyslexic, a fact that most fans of their work might not be aware of. Dyslexic filmmakers are known for their ability to think outside of the box — thus crafting intricate and compelling non-linear narratives. Take iconic films Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan, Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction and Scorsese’s Raging Bull. These films have laid the groundwork for visual storytelling codes and conventions we continue to use.

Starting the Discussion

Their films are talked about the world over, and yet there is very little discussion surrounding dyslexic and neurodiverse filmmakers as a whole. The upcoming DYSPLA International Moving Image Festival is hoping to change that! A first of its kind, the festival aims to showcase such talent in a unique, audio-visual way by combining the elements of a conventional film festival with the open, experimental approach of an art exhibition.

The idea is to bring about much-needed conversation surrounding dyslexic and neurodiverse narrative storytelling, and allow audiences to experience moving image in a whole new way.