The Focus group

Synopsis:
An ego-driven fashion diva makes a discovery after a focus group does not go as planned.

Director Statement:
While jumping in as the lead role at the last minute is definitely in the cards for any EasterSeals Films Challenge director, I wholeheartedly enjoyed it, every step. Working with an array of consummate professionals, I couldn't have asked for a better experience!

Producer statement:
Lachi and I decided to produce and direct this film, The Focus Group, as we are both convinced that fashion plays a great role in a person’s self-confidence and expression of their uniqueness.

After successfully carrying out projects in 2020, that put together music, fashion and disability issues, when learning about the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, we thought that was space for some more action.
Thanks to Liz Galalis supporting us in writing the script and actresses from 3 different continents, we found a new way to prove, that fashion must be for all and can be for all!
From personal experience and direct experience with friends, colleagues and customers we knew we had to send a strong message, for change, to the fashion industry, especially to those involved in the design and production process.
Additionally we also wanted to send a strong message to people too often left out for their being different.
No matter the ability, the color of your skin, your culture, your age, your job or the country you live in – you can speak up for what you love and deserve and for all that makes you happy.

This film will always be special to us because it shows that nothing can stop powerful ideas with a mission.

Social Medias for actresses:
Lachi USA
Ig: https://www.instagram.com/lachimusic/
fb: https://www.facebook.com/lachimusic
www: http://www.lachimusic.com/index.html
Linkedin: https://www.youtube.com/lachimusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lachimusic
Spotify: lachimusic

Liz Galalis USA
All social medias @LizGalalis.

Giulia Ghiretti ITALY
Ig https://www.instagram.com/giulia_ghiretti/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giulia-ghiretti-697a3a16a/
Fb: https://www.facebook.com/lamiascia

Elisa Vavassori ITALY
FB: Elisa Vavassori https://m.facebook.com/evavassori?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: @ElisaVavassori
IG: elisavavassori
LinkedIn: Elisa Vavassori

Zazel Chavah O'Garra USA
https://www.zcodanceproject.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zazel-chavah-o-garra-msw-95b90849

facebook/zcodanceproject.com

instagram.com/zcodp1/

instagram.com/zazelchavah/

twitter.com/zcodanceproject

Kellina Powell USA
Twitter: cutiekellina
IG: Deafqueenboss
Facebook: Kellina Powell

Heloisa Rocha BRAZIL
Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/modaemordas

Twitter and Instagram:
@modaemrodas
#modaemrodas

YouTube (space that I publish my podcast):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF9GTebLMLUSYzLnf0_vweSNxrLMy_xVh

Marina La Loggia ITALY
Fb https://www.facebook.com/marina.laloggia.7
Ig https://www.instagram.com/laloggiamarina/

Alicia Searcy: USA
Ig: @spashionista and @fashionis4everybody

Elena Travaini:
Ig: https://www.instagram.com/elenatravainiblindmodel/
ig: https://www.instagram.com/blindly_dancing/
Fb: https://www.facebook.com/ELENATRAVAINI86
About the participants:
10 out of 11 have a disability. Here are the ones who decided to share.

Lachi is legally blind. Director (nyc singer and disability rights activist)
Liz Galalis Ankylosing Spondylitis Assistant Director and Screenwriter
Kellina Powell Deaf. Actress and Model
Alicia Searcy Cerebral Palsy Model
Giulia Ghiretti Paraplegia. Model (Paralympic Athlete and Swimmer)
Zazel O'Garra Partially Paralyed due to brain tumor - Actress and Model (also dancer and artist)
Marina La Loggia Spastic Diplegia - Model (also professional coach, actress and writer)
Heloisa Rocha Osteogenesis Imperfecta - Model (also journalist and influencer)
Elisa Vavassori SMA TYPE 2 - Actress and Model (disability manager at CISCO Italy)
Elena Travaini legally blind ITALY Model (also blind dancer)