Harley Wheelchair (2018)

Directed by: Niels Sabbe | 11 minutes | short film, drama | Actors: Wim Willaerts, Bram Verrecas, Daniela Degraux

One vehicle is not the other, as the short film ‘Harley Wheelchair’ makes clear. The once avid motorcyclist Harley will never again have the feeling of a roaring engine beneath him, the hair in the wind, the view on the horizon. He has been ordered to travel in an electric wheelchair, which means that his gaze is constantly below the belt and he is dependent on the helpfulness of others and the accessibility of public spaces.

Harley – like many other people – is on his way to the beach. In this silent film by Niels Sabbe, Wim Willaert steals the show as the title character. Through telling looks, we see his frustration and discomfort grow. Once at the beach, the day turns into a nightmare, but Harley perseveres. And then his path crosses that of an attractive lifeguard.

‘Harley Wheelchair’ is a beautifully shot film, which once again makes clear how important it is that people with a physical disability are taken into account – even in places that are not so obvious. A glimmer of joy in a limited life spills over to the viewer with ease.