Producer behind "Ability in Fashion" documentary appeals for support

Malawi: Ruth Chirwa, a Mzuzu-based fashion designer and producer of the documentary titled 'Ability in Fashion,' has asked the public to support her by voting for her documentary to win the NOVA Employment 2022 Focus on Ability Short Film Awards.

Chirwa's life story is highlighted in the documentary Ability in Fashion, specifically how she became disabled and how she is surviving an independent life despite her disability.

Chirwa, 22, said she came up with the idea for her documentary to encourage other young girls with disabilities to pursue their dreams.

"The documentary is all about encouraging my fellow girls that accepting themselves is the very first thing they have to do, they should not give up in life no matter how they look or how disabled they are, but once they work on something they are good at, everything is possible," Chirwa said.

She went on to say that the documentary also aims to educate people about the importance of not looking down on people who are disabled.

"Many people look down on me because they believe I can't do anything because I'm disabled," she explained.

"With the documentary, I also want to educate people to change their mindset on people with disabilities."

Chirwa, who has a certificate in Fashion and Designing and specialises in designing male and female outfits, urged the public to vote for her documentary, claiming that winning the NOVA Employment 2022 Focus on Ability Short Film Awards would change her life.

"People should vote for my documentary so that it wins. I might use the money I win in the awards to open a shop for my business because I currently work from home. I would also use the money to buy a better sewing machine as well as improve my life and the lives of others," she said.

People are encouraged to vote for the Ability in Fashion documentary here.