Film board refuses funding for Joanne’s documentary

A teenager who was born without limbs has vowed to finish a documentary on her life despite being refused funding by the Irish Film Board.

“We are disappointed to announce that the funding application for my documentary No Limbs No Limits has been declined,” Joanne O’Riordan said.

“We will now look at other ways to raise the money to complete what has been started. Any ideas, send them our way.”

Joanne, 16, who lives in Millstreet, Co Cork, is one of only seven people in the world with total amelia syndrome. She is also recovering from a major spinal surgery.

Born without legs or arms, she has become an outspoken campaigner for disability rights.

The Irish Examiner highlighted her work last year when she took on Enda Kenny over disability cuts, forcing the Government to row back on its decision.

She was subsequently invited to appear on The Late Late Show, which led to an invitation to address the UN in New York on the role technology plays in her life.

Her brother Steven, whose documentary The Forgotten Maggies helped bring the stories of survivor of the Magdalene Laundries to national attention, has been shooting No Limbs No Limits for almost a year.

He has 17 hours of footage in the can and was hoping to release it in cinemas next year. The IFB gave him development funding in the early stages.

However, it has shot down a funding request to complete the shoot, putting at risk a crucial part of the documentary — a trip to the Philippines in October with the Sisters of Mercy where Joanne hoped to meet a 12-year- old boy, Jesus, who was also born without limbs.

Steven said he and his parents wanted the film to give people an insight into how much they have helped Joanne.

“It is absolutely depressing to think that so much time and effort has been put into getting Joanne’s project this far,” he said.

“But I’m not going to give up. I never have in the past and as Joanne is my sister I will do whatever I can to get this documentary over the line.

He said at least €80,000 is needed to finish filming, editing, and marketing.

It is understood the IFB felt the documentary would not have cinematic appeal. It was not available for comment yesterday.

Steven appealed to any one who can help to contact him on 087 0674520.