Isn't That A Strange Rainbow? (2026), film still

Isn't That A Strange Rainbow?

About this Short Film

Isn't That A Strange Rainbow? is a wordless, non-narrative documentary inhabiting the point of view of a disabled filmmaker (Director, Jay Reid) experiencing the rainbow of living - in direct response to a question asked by Fred Rogers, with excerpts from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood provided courtesy of Fred Rogers Productions.

In the filmmaker's words

Isn't That A Strange Rainbow? is a wordless, non-narrative documentary inhabiting the point of view of a disabled filmmaker (Director, Jay Reid) experiencing a rainbow of living - in direct response to a question asked by Fred Rogers, with excerpts from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood provided courtesy of Fred Rogers Productions.

The piece features an original score by Jay Reid, and is primarily constructed from footage extracted from Live Photos, capturing the moments between the moments intended to be shot. It is a love letter to living, in the face of hardship and adversity. It features footage from concerts, sunsets, hospital stays, and grocery trips to show the full rainbow of living while disabled from a point of view perspective.

It is a personal honour to have worked with Fred Rogers Productions to utilise footage from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to bookend the piece, being the only words spoken throughout. Fred Rogers is a personal hero of mine for his advocacy, kind spirit and patience, so to have his words sum up how I feel about living with a disability, was very important to me. This is my most personal short film to date, allowing people to see the world as I do, to experience the full rainbow of life.

— Jay Reid

Film Details

Country: Australia
Festival Year: 2026
Filmmaker: Jay Reid

Film Transcript

Isn't that a strange rainbow? What do you think it needs? Heat. Heat. More colours. All right. How about some of this colour in it? And how about some of this colour? And how about some of this colour? Where can I put that? How about right in there? Oh, you can put them anywhere you want. Now, doesn't that look a lot more beautiful when it has more colours? In fact, the more colours together, the better. You know, that makes me think of different toys. I know a place in this neighbourhood that has toys of many shapes and colours.

Filmmaker

Jay Reid is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Jay Reid.

?

0 comments
❤ Donate