Halifax filmmaker remembered for infectious spirit, positive attitude
CBC
A Halifax filmmaker whose work shone a light on the challenges faced by people with disabilities died earlier this week.
Spencer MacKay, 27, who had a rare form of dwarfism, used humour to break down stigma. He is being remembered for an infectious spirit and positive attitude.
"I think that he embodied the spirit of celebrating people of all abilities and within his work highlighting the experience of someone who is disabled," said actor and filmmaker Taylor Olson.
"He was just always authentic and genuine and … lived and created work on his own terms."
Olson first crossed paths with MacKay in 2018 on a short film. Newly graduated from the NSCC's screen arts program, MacKay was hired to work on the crew and was "excitable and passionate and ready to work," said Olson.
A friendship developed between the two. Over the years they'd share scripts with each other and give feedback. They also worked together behind the scenes on projects.
Olson is the host and director of Disrupt, a television show that showcases artists with disabilities. MacKay worked as a first assistant director on the show and his work was featured on an episode.
MacKay told CBC News in 2018 that he always had an interest in filmmaking. Growing up, he would make films with his stepbrother, in part because he couldn't play sports such as baseball and soccer.
"You have to find other ways of entertaining yourself and for me, instead of going out and playing that, I'd make up little stories as a kid," he said.
MacKay said that while his disability limited some of the things he could do behind the scenes on set, it didn't discourage him.
"I think it's a strength because I can tell some stories other people can't and I can bring a voice to filmmaking and the medium that many people just don't have," he said.
One of MacKay's films, 2022's Interabled, tells the story of a controversial podcaster who, in an effort to rehabilitate his image, invites an interabled couple to participate on his show.
Interabled is a term for a relationship where one of the members of the couple has a disability.
In Interabled, the podcast host asks questions to learn more about interabled relationships. Some of the questions include what blackmail the person with the disability has on their partner and whether this is one of those "Make-A-Wish thingies."
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