Michelle Asgarali, Disabled Filmmaker and Advocate (she/her)
Michelle Asgarali is the series producer and writer of Breaking Character, AMI’s new character-driven docuseries offering a candid look at disability in the entertainment industry. The 10-part series follows six performers with disabilities hustle to make their mark on stage, screen and the runway in Toronto – aka Hollywood North. Her big break came only three years after working with THA Media as a casting and social media producer of the award-winning Employable Me Canada, following neurodivergent job seekers as they prove their disability doesn’t make them unemployable.
Born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a rare neuromuscular disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness, Michelle is no stranger to the challenges of navigating the complex world of inclusive storytelling. She used her unique perspective to carve out a career in documentary and TV development, creating entertaining content accessible to all. Something Michelle hopes to foster in others within the industry, recently consulting, curating and leading workshops in disability storytelling with North Bay Film Festival, Reelabilities Toronto, and universities and colleges across Ontario.
michelle [at] winterhousefilms [dot] com
