Filmmaker Lauren Schwartzman, whose short Dust Rising was not only featured in SDFF 2018, but is also a Best of the Fest selection, is collaborating with long-time SDFF Alum Jim LeBrecht on the upcoming documentary Crip Camp. one of the first projects being made by Michelle and Barack Obama’s Netflix-based production company, Higher Ground.
A 35-year veteran of the film industry, who has made over 145 films, Le Brecht has honored SDFF with his presence several times in the festival’s history, most recently running a filmmaker discussion panel, “Composing for Docs,” with William Ryan Fritch at SDFF 2019. Emerging filmmaker Lauren Schartzman also attended SDFF 2019, accompanying her award winning, environmental short Dust Rising.
One of the first 7 projects selected by the Obamas for their Netflix-based production company, Higher Ground, Crip Camp documents LeBrecht’s memories of a ramshackle summer camp for disabled teens just down the road from Woodstock in the 1960s and 70s. The camp would not only transform lives, but also shaped the future of the disability rights movement.
LeBrecht has spent his career balancing his work as a sound designer, mixer and composer, with his work as an ardent disability rights activist. This film combines both passions, and will be his directorial debut. Emerging filmmaker Schwartzman joined the film as an associate producer and assistant editor.
