By Kristen Birkelbach | The Disability Ally NYC
Film festivals serve as launchpads for many films, giving filmmakers the opportunity to introduce their work to new audiences before they reach theaters. At the Tribeca Festival, I had the opportunity to experience two powerful disability films that stayed with me long after the credits rolled: Horsegirls and Take Me Home. Both films are now reaching audiences in theaters.
Disability representation in film is something I care deeply about—not only as a journalist covering film and entertainment, but also as a person with lived experience of disability and as a caregiver to two now-adult people with disabilities.
Both films center disabled characters, but neither makes disability the entirety of who those characters are. Instead, they explore family, independence, identity, relationships and finding your place in the world.
🐴 HORSEGIRLS
Now in theaters
Horsegirls is a beautiful portrayal of a young autistic woman trying to find her place in the world—and ultimately finding her footing and a place where she can soar to new heights—while also navigating her mother’s illness.
The film follows 22-year-old Margarita, played by autistic actor Lillian Carrier, as she navigates early adulthood while her mother faces an uncertain diagnosis. Margarita discovers competitive hobby horsing and becomes immersed in the sport, finding confidence, community and a greater sense of independence along the way.
What I especially appreciated about the film is that Margarita is allowed to be a whole person. She has interests, frustrations, ambitions and a desire to find her own place in the world. Her autism is part of her story, but it isn’t the entirety of her story.
It was also such a pleasure to meet Lillian in person at Tribeca.
A Special Tribeca Moment
One of the most meaningful parts of my experience covering Horsegirls was seeing the connection between Lillian and Laura, an adult with Down syndrome who was with me at the festival.
Laura loved meeting Lillian, and having Lillian take the time to talk with her and connect with her meant a great deal to Laura. She even had the opportunity to ask Lillian a question during the Q&A—about her fashion in the film.
That moment reminded me that representation isn’t only about what we see on a screen.
It’s also about what can happen when disabled people see themselves reflected in someone they admire.
📸 
Laura with Lillian Carrier, star of Horsegirls, at the Tribeca Festival.
🎥 Watch My Tribeca Coverage
I was there for the Horsegirls Q&A with breakout star Lillian Carrier and moderator Peter Lubell.
🎟️ See Horsegirls in theaters
Horsegirls is currently playing in theaters, with additional locations continuing to roll out. The official Sumerian Pictures page has current theater information and tickets.
Find *Horsegirls* theaters & tickets — Sumerian Pictures
You can also check current showtimes by location:
Check *Horsegirls* showtimes on Fandango
🏠 TAKE ME HOME
Opens September 23 at IFC Center in New York City
Take Me Home was one of the most touching films I’ve ever seen.
The film centers on Anna, a 38-year-old Korean adoptee with a cognitive disability who cares for her aging parents. As the family’s circumstances change, Anna is forced to confront questions about caregiving, independence and what comes next. Anna Sargent, who has a cognitive disability, plays the lead role, while her sister Liz Sargent wrote and directed the film.
As a caregiver to two now-adult children with disabilities myself, I was deeply affected by the film.
It was powerful—and honestly, difficult—to think about what their lives might look like if they didn’t have someone to care for them the way their mother cares for Anna, or the way I care for the people in my own life.
The film made me think deeply about what happens when parents age and caregivers can no longer provide the same level of support, and about the importance of creating a future where disabled adults can live with dignity, independence and security.
That’s a conversation we need to be having.
🎬 My Tribeca Coverage
I had the opportunity to speak with Liz Sargent, Anna Sargent, the producer and cast members on the red carpet at Tribeca.
🎥 Watch My Red Carpet Interviews
Take Me Home Film Tribeca Film Festival Premiere Red Carpet Interviews — Director, Producer & Cast
I also captured the film’s Tribeca premiere Q&A with Liz, Anna and more.
🎥 Watch the Tribeca Premiere Q&A
Take Me Home Film Tribeca Film Festival Premiere Q&A — Director Liz Sargent, star Anna & more
🎟️ See Take Me Home in New York
Take Me Home opens at IFC Center in New York City on September 23. It is scheduled to open at the American Cinematheque in Los Angeles on October 7, followed by select theaters nationwide.
Why These Films Matter
For me, that’s what makes both Horsegirls and Take Me Home worth talking about.
Disability representation isn’t simply about putting a disabled character on screen.
It’s about whose stories are being told, who gets to tell them, and who gets the opportunity to bring those characters to life.
Both films give audiences an opportunity to see disabled characters as whole people—with families, dreams, frustrations, relationships, humor and complicated lives.
And importantly, both films feature disabled actors in disabled roles.
That’s representation worth paying attention to.
As these films move from the festival circuit into theaters, audiences have an opportunity to support filmmakers and performers who are helping expand the way disability is portrayed on screen.
And that’s something worth watching.
🎬 More from Hot DisabiliTea®
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