International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)

International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)
Call for Papers | Fully Refereed | Open Access | Double Blind Peer Reviewed

ISSN: 2319-7064


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Kenya | Literature | Volume 14 Issue 10, October 2025 | Pages: 430 - 439


Contesting the Ableist Gaze: Identity, Agency, and the Ambivalent Politics of Disability in Three Selected Kenyan Short Films

Grace Kimani

Abstract: This article explores how disability is portrayed in three Kenyan short films-Sarah, Silent Cry, and Sleep-and investigates how characters with disabilities assert agency in environments shaped by ableism, stigma, and exclusion. Through close readings and theoretical framing from disability studies, the thesis evaluates how narrative techniques and film language shape societal perceptions of disabled individuals. Findings reveal a complex blend of empowerment and marginalization: while the films offer space for nuanced character development and resistance against stereotypes, they also risk reinforcing commodification and episodic agency. The study calls for ethical representation in African cinema that promotes access, dignity, and community-driven narratives.

Keywords: Disability, representation, prosthesis, agency, commodification

How to Cite?: Grace Kimani, "Contesting the Ableist Gaze: Identity, Agency, and the Ambivalent Politics of Disability in Three Selected Kenyan Short Films", Volume 14 Issue 10, October 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 430-439, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251006120401, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251006120401


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