Allison Friedman was about to give up on her filmmaking dreams. During the pandemic, there were few opportunities for Deaf and disabled talent. Then, she discovered the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, and it reignited her passion.

Friedman grew up near Chicago and had a passion for acting as a young girl. In middle school, she began acting and dancing at the International Center on Deafness and the Arts. Now, a resident of Indianapolis, her film Erased was selected as a finalist for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. From pausing filming for a tornado warning, to traveling to Hollywood for the awards ceremony, it’s been quite an adventure for Friedman and her team.

“The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge is based in Los Angeles, and even though I’m from Indianapolis, I was able to make my dreams come true in another state — that means so much to me,” Friedman says. “I’ve been blessed to meet so many talented artists through this journey. And now, with Erased being screened at the Heartland Film Festival, it feels like everything has come full circle. I’m beyond grateful and excited for what’s ahead!”

Q&A with Allison Friedman (AF)

What is Erased about?
AF: Erased explores what the world would look like if sign language were banned. Sadly, sign language was actually banned in the past, so the film is a reminder of how important it is to embrace, protect, and celebrate our language and culture.

Where did you film, and what was it like filming?
AF: We filmed Erased in Indianapolis, and wow — it was quite an adventure! We stayed up from around 3 or 4 p.m. until 6 a.m. filming. Then, the next day, we had to miss an entire day of shooting because of the weather — there was even a tornado warning! We had to make last-minute changes, but we pulled through and made it happen. It was exhausting but so worth it — I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished together.

Tell us a bit about your cast and crew.
AF: I was so lucky to work with Sarah and Aaron Margolis-Greenbaum for the third time — they’re amazing filmmakers and owners of Naptown Films, a Deaf-owned production company based in Indianapolis. I met Sarah in college, and I’m so grateful for our ongoing collaboration and friendship.

I also worked with another talented Deaf filmmaker, Rydrea Walker, who owns WarriorsGate Entertainment, another Deaf-owned production company. He was also part of a major ASL film production called Jesus Film.

Our entire cast and crew were Deaf, and most were from the Indianapolis area. It was such a beautiful, empowering experience to collaborate with an all-Deaf team.

What was it like going to Hollywood for the awards ceremony?
AF: It was a dream come true. Honestly, I had goosebumps — I couldn’t believe I was there! The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge ceremony was held at Sony Studios, and I even met a Hollywood director who told me I was talented and on his list. I was fangirling so hard!

As a Deaf actor, being in that space made me feel seen and inspired. It reminded me that my biggest dream — to act and one day win an Oscar — is possible. The experience fueled my motivation to keep growing and dreaming even bigger.

Why do you think the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge is important?
AF: It’s incredibly important because it gives disabled creatives a safe and empowering space to share our stories. We are often overlooked in the industry, and this challenge creates a bridge for us to collaborate, be visible, and be celebrated. It takes a village to make something meaningful, and Easterseals helps us find that village. It’s boosted my confidence and career as a Deaf filmmaker and showed me that representation truly matters.

What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers who are Deaf or have another disability?
AF: Keep dreaming big and find your community — that’s where you’ll grow and thrive. Don’t be afraid to start your own project. Someone once told me, “Create your own opportunity,” and that stuck with me. Be consistent, trust your vision, and never underestimate the power of your story. The world needs your perspective, so keep showing up and believe that anything is possible!