The R-Word

"Provides a stigma-breaking look into the lives of those with intellectual disabilities and how each person can begin to bridge the gap by making one small difference in their choice of words."

"Makes a difficult subject accessible to talk about in a way that's non-threatening, even entertaining, and it does so with its message firmly intact."

"The R Word film interrogates a slur connected to intellectual disability that is still, sadly, in common usage in North America. With this nuanced look at the word, it shows American culture how to let go of this unnecessary word, while also educating its viewers about inclusive education and the federal law to remove the word from government language. This is also a film about the power of families, especially siblings, to lead the charge to change society to be more inclusive of people with intellectual disabilities."

"The R-Word is smart media criticism, showing how the language we use is inseparable from the world we build. Words matter, and this film shows why. It explains how the r-word is rooted in a shameful history of discrimination and eugenics, and how it continues to perpetuate that painful legacy even when used casually and thoughtlessly today."

"The R-Word's focus on the etymology of slurs gives the film a distinct and compelling perspective. Its exploration of the interweaving of language, culture, and prejudice is thoughtful and illuminating, and provides a valuable backdrop for the challenges and aspirations of the film's delightful characters."