What’s Up with Docs feat. Ranell Shubert (Disability Media Alliance) – “Star Baby”

In this episode, host Toni Achebe Bell reunites with former producer Ranell Shubert, now Executive Director of the Disability Media Alliance (DMA), to discuss power, possibility, and breaking barriers in nonfiction film.

Ranell reflects on the research, lived experience, and movement-building that led to DMA’s formation from her groundbreaking work at the International Documentary Association (IDA), Getting Real, and the Direct Access Fund. Together, she and Toni explore the deep-rooted systemic challenges from inaccessible festivals to underfunded support networks and the transformative potential of centering care, community, and disability-led leadership.

The song for this episode is RuPaul’s “Star Baby,” because this episode highlights what’s possible when disabled creators are resourced, respected, and ready to shine.

To learn more or get involved, visit DisabilityMedia.org.

Length:
Recorded: 15 July, 2025.

Host and Curator: Toni Achebe Bell
Speaker: Ranell Shubert
Music Composer: Marcus Lori
Sound Design: Philipp Rumsch
Editor and Producer: Anne Rethfeldt

The DOK Industry Podcast 2025 is realised in partnership with POC2 Programmers of Colour Collective, What’s Up With Docs Podcast and Talking Shorts, and supported by film.macht.kritisch - Der Podcast über das andere Kino.

You can find out more about our collaborators here.