Film Review #156: EYES FORWARD (SYFF)

Eyes Forward:

A Moving Reflection on Disability, Identity, and Resilience 

At the heart of the documentary lies Joan's reflection on disability as something shaped by the environments we exist in, something that abled individuals like myself often take for granted. "People think that disability is a medical condition from birth, but I think that the environment is what makes us disabled," Joan remarks in the film. This sentiment is brought to life through a telling scene at a zebra crossing. In one instance, Joan is stranded and unable to cross because there is no auditory signal. In contrast, another crossing provides a beeping cue, allowing Joan to move forward with confidence. These moments highlight the difficulties disabled people face in navigating seemingly benign environments. Ultimately, societal structures have the power to empower or hinder them. 

Chee's direction shines in her use of perspective. The documentary employs sensory storytelling, attempting to place the audience in Joan's shoes. Scenes filmed through a goalball eye mask, coupled with heightened soundscapes, give viewers a sense of Joan's sensory world. A particularly poignant moment unfolds when Joan shares her love for sunsets. "I love sunsets, but the colours are not so vivid anymore," she says. In tandem with her words, the scene's vibrant hues slowly fade, subtly mirroring her experience. 

However, Eyes Forward is not merely about Joan's physical challenges. The documentary delves into her emotional struggles, including her complex relationship with her parents. Joan candidly shares how she once resented them, believing their genetics contributed to her condition. Yet, as the film progresses, she reveals a sense of acceptance and peace, a deeply human arc that adds layers to her story. This exploration of mental and emotional resilience is one of the film's strongest elements, reminding viewers that internal battles are often as significant as external ones.

A recurring question I had throughout the documentary is whether Joan's story could offer something new, given her extensive media presence on platforms like Youthtopia, President's Challenge Donation Drive, and Wearemajulah. The answer lies in Chee's approach. Instead of retreading familiar ground, Chee chooses to zoom in on the nuances of Joan's life: her quieter moments of reflection, vulnerability, and the deeply personal conflicts she faces. In doing so, Eyes Forward feels less like a highlight reel of achievements and more like an authentic exploration of identity and resilience.



Beyond Joan's athletic achievements, the documentary highlights her contributions to the community. As a facilitator at Control Your Controllables, a goalball programme aimed at building resilience in children, Joan demonstrates that her influence extends far beyond the court. Her passion for empowering young people, particularly those with disabilities, positions her as both an athlete and a mentor. This focus on community impact prevents Eyes Forward from falling into the clichéd narrative of the "heroic disabled athlete," offering instead a portrait of someone actively shaping the world around her.

The documentary's title, Eyes Forward, comes full circle in its final scene. Joan stands beneath an open sky, her face turned upwards, her eyes unseeing yet firmly forward. It leaves you thinking: if someone with visual impairment can courageously look towards the sky, overcome her limits, and chase her dreams, what’s stopping you? What does your sky look like?

Eyes Forward is not just Joan's story. It is a universal tale of overcoming limitations—not only those imposed by our bodies, but also those constructed by society and, sometimes, our own minds. The documentary emerges as a profound meditation on strength, acceptance, and the spaces we create for each other in our shared world.

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About the author: Isabel is an avid reader and writer who hopes to inspire greater connection and empathy in an increasingly isolated world. When she’s not crafting stories, she can sometimes be found going ps ps ps at her neighborhood cats. Connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-hah-041751203?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app 

This review is published as part of *SCAPE’s Film Critics Lab: A Writing Mentorship Programme, with support from Singapore Film Society.