DIRECTOR: ANNA ANDERSEN
PRODUCER: ANNA ANDERSEN & JEFF CHRISTIAN CINEMATOGRAPHER: CODY MICHAEL BALL
EDITOR & GRAPHICS : TIFFANY TAVERAS COMPOSER: JUAN ARIZA
DISABILITY PRODUCER: KELSEY PETERSON SECOND CAMERA: ANNA ANDERSEN
SYNOPSIS
DREAMERS is an immersive documentary about how a uniquely accessible sailboat, The Impossible Dream, propels a mission for a crew living with disabilities. Deborah, Bradley, and Dianne, previously strangers, unite in a belief that people with disabilities deserve more than what confining life on land offers them: unfettered access.
Through its masterful design, without the barriers on land, the crew can access parts of themselves that feel suppressed in an ableist society. Untethered, they grow as sailors and activists, and connect as a community. The film is a visceral look into the wider significance of accessibility: a critical element for any person to feel fully human, powerful, and free.
*DREAMERS will be coming to screens in early 2026*
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
Through my friendship with Deborah Mellen and experiences aboard The Impossible Dream, I gained profound insight into the freedom design mastery offers the disabled community. After experiencing my first Impossible Dream sail, I saw the power of capturing these profound experiences on film.
All my films showcase the strength and resilience of women historically overlooked or misunderstood. By focusing on strong female voices, I challenge narratives and showcase the complexity, diversity, and richness of women's experiences. This film expands my storytelling techniques, challenging me to capture the unique dynamics of sailing and nuanced experiences of individuals with disabilities. Ensuring authentic representation while navigating the complexities of disability narratives is paramount. I'm constantly aware of the need to avoid stereotypical or inspirational tropes that oversimplify their experiences. Additionally, the technical challenges of filming on water with sailing equipment has required innovative ideas and opportunities.
DREAMERS is dedicated to anyone who has felt unseen. The film invites audiences into a a one-of-a-kind world where sailing and disability intersect. It embarks on a journey of empathy and transformation, honoring the value of independence, adventure, and a full, purposeful life for every human being.