Watch When Billy Broke His Head...and Other Tales of Wonder

When Billy Broke His Head...and Other Tales of Wonder is a 1995 documentary film directed by Billy Golfus and Frank Heintz. It follows the life of Billy Golfus, a former radio DJ who became quadriplegic after a car accident. The movie explores the challenges that Billy faces on a daily basis as a disabled person, as well as the obstacles he had to overcome in order to become a successful independent filmmaker.

The film is structured around a series of vignettes that showcase Billy's wit, humor, and resilience. We see him participating in a wheelchair race on the beach, interviewing disabled activists, and collaborating with other artists to produce a powerful performance piece. Throughout the movie, we also hear from other disabled individuals who share their own stories of triumph and struggle.

One of the major themes of When Billy Broke His Head is the tension between the disabled community and mainstream society. Billy is a fierce advocate for disability rights, and he frequently critiques the medical establishment for treating disabled people as objects of pity or charity. He argues that the real problem is not disability itself, but rather the social barriers that prevent disabled people from fully participating in society.

Another important aspect of the film is its exploration of the creative process. Billy is not only a filmmaker, but also a musician, poet, and performance artist. He believes that art has the power to transform people's perceptions and challenge dominant narratives. As he says in the movie, "If you don't like the way the world looks, make it your own damn self."

When Billy Broke His Head is also notable for its diverse cast of characters. We meet Joy Mincey Powell, a woman with cerebral palsy who shares Billy's passion for art and activism. She describes the difficulties she faces in her daily life, such as navigating inaccessible buildings and dealing with insensitive strangers. However, she also radiates a deep sense of joy and purpose, which inspires Billy and others around her.

We also hear from Ed Roberts, a disability rights activist who played a pivotal role in the independent living movement of the 1960s and 70s. Roberts contracted polio as a teenager and became paralyzed from the neck down. However, he refused to let his disability define him, and instead worked tirelessly to create opportunities for disabled people to live independent and meaningful lives.

Overall, When Billy Broke His Head...and Other Tales of Wonder is a groundbreaking and deeply human movie that challenges our assumptions about disability and creativity. It offers a rare glimpse into the lives of people who are too often marginalized or ignored, and celebrates their resilience and ingenuity. As Billy Golfus himself puts it, "We have to make ourselves visible, heard, and respected. We have to make the world listen."

When Billy Broke His Head...and Other Tales of Wonder is a 1995 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour.