I hope that by being accepted into one of the top drama schools in the UK, it sets a foundation for more visibly different people to be inspired to apply and train to be an actor too. I want to prove to teachers, casting directors, producers, directors and the arts as a whole that people … Read More
Growing up with a birthmark and the implications of negative depictions of facial difference on screen Sharon explores the offensive casting for the new Amazon Prime Lord of the Rings series, and what this means to her Different. I got used to that word from an early age. ‘You look different to other kids. Because … Read More
The role of attributions, shame, and self-compassion on the mental health of those with facial differences: Here’s how you can get involved Hi my name is Joel, I am 21 years old and I was born with a congenital facial palsy. I have had facial reanimation surgery to try to improve the movement in the … Read More
James Partridge, Founder of Face Equality International Wearing facial protection will soon become normal, according to the World Health Organization’s Covid-19 spokesman David Nabarro in an interview with the BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p089cz1s Despite conflicting evidence about whether face masks are effective in protecting people from Covid-19 (eg: eyes can still be recipients of the droplets), Nabarro … Read More
I was born with Sturge-Weber Syndrome, with a large port-wine stain birthmark covering the left side of my head and neck. Lots of extra blood vessels resulted in glaucoma and visible differences in my left eye. Growing up was a struggle, especially in a small town. My nickname from the bullies was “Two Face.” I … Read More
Recruitment of Orcs Dear Sir Peter and Mr Bezos, It has been widely reported in the UK media this week (see links below) that the casting agencies working on Amazon TV’s new series based on Lord of the Rings are desperately seeking people with “flawed faces” who are “hairy, toothless, wrinkled and extremely tall and … Read More
Kathleen Bogart, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Oregon State University. Making a first impression While facial expressions aren’t the only thing that go into a first impression, they are a pretty big element. So basing our impressions of others on their facial expressions is usually an effective strategy. However, the accuracy of impressions breaks down when … Read More
“Part autobiographical coming-of-age story, part Dungeons & Dragons fuelled fable, part antitode to the Tyranny of Beauty. No makeup, no sfx, no filter. This is HAPPY FACE.” “HAPPY FACE, written by Alexandre Franchi & Joëlle Bourjolly and directed by Alexandre Franchi, is basedon autobiographical events as Alexandre grew up witnessing his single mother’s struggle with cancer. … Read More
Nathalia from ‘Loving My Dots’ My name is Nathalia Freitas. I’m from Brazil and I live in Los Angeles/CA. I was born with a condition called Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, or just Nevus. A large birthmark that covered 40% of the right side of my face, plus thousands of satellites all over my body. From nine … Read More
Kara Jackman, CCA Kids Marketing & Communications Coordinator Children’s Craniofacial Association began celebrating Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness month in June! We ended the month of June as we always do, with our Annual Family and Educational Symposium. Throughout the month of July, we shared stories, images, and videos from those special four days that last … Read More