Film Review:

WE ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

July 1, 2025

We Are the Most Beautiful People will make its second hotly anticipated big-screen appearance on June 22 at the Hollywood Theatre after selling out its premiere back in April. Director/editor BA Short, a local art therapist, offers a glimpse into a silenced yet powerful community of people with disabilities. More than 25 people appear on screen to share their experiences living with physical or mental impairment, or “different ability,” as author and spoken word artist Joy Elan shares in her segment. The film touches on a broad range of topics affecting the community, including physical and emotional pain, ableism and activism. Art therapist and WATMBP producer Zian Chavez not only offers insight into their experience with multiple sclerosis but also holds the mic up for many other local and international social justice warriors experiencing physical and mental disabilities, including but not limited to interviewees with cerebral palsy, blindness, neurodivergence, deafness, amputations and dyslexia. The dense content and heavy vibe is sprinkled with moments of lightness, which by no means comes off as so-called inspiration porn. Watch WATMBP if you are open to learning about a powerful community whose intersectionality spreads far and wide, but check your privileges at the door. The documentary is authentic, unrelenting and exactly the rebellious and educational content the world needs to face. Mostly made in Portland, would you expect anything less? NR. NICOLE ECKRICH. Hollywood Theatre, June 22. Willamette Week