Changing the Narrative: Storytelling at the Intersections of Race, Disability and the Outdoors

A new generation of filmmakers and writers at the intersections of race, disability, gender and class are reshaping outdoor storytelling — revealing how power, privilege and access shape the stories we see on screen and page.

Outdoor storytelling has long been shaped by a narrow set of voices, influencing who is seen to belong in wild spaces. In this panel, inclusive design consultant and executive producer Alice Sainsbury joins Ani Barber, a mixed race Muslim hiker, whose film Walking Towards Pain explores her experience of living with Lupus and navigating the outdoors and Marie Uri, director of United We Climb, opening access to climbing for all. 

Alongside fellow storytellers working across diverse lived experiences, the conversation explores how race, class, gender, disability and privilege shape not only access to the outdoors, but access to telling the story of it — and how filmmaking and writing are helping build a more honest, inclusive outdoor narrative.

More About Alice Sainsbury

Alice Sainsbury is a creative director and consultant working across disability, outdoor culture, and inclusive design. Her work centres on listening, collaboration, and challenging systems that exclude disabled people, including through projects such as UN[PARA]LD.

You can hear more from Alice in her UN[PARA]LD: Collective Action and Rethinking Outdoor Clothing and ACTionism - the art of finding your people talks

Also, find out more about her on Instagram: @alicesainsbury.co

More About Ani Barber

Anisah is a mixed race and disabled outdoor enthusiast, with Lupus and Fibromyalgia. She hosts the All The Elements Disability Campaigner Socials and is the treasurer of Adaptive Riders Collective (whose film Three Wheel Drive is screening at ShAFF). A climber, hill walker, and wild swimmer, she has always felt most at home in wild spaces and works to ensure others feel that same sense of belonging. She is a strong advocate for people who are often underrepresented in outdoor communities, including people of colour and disabled people

You can find more about her on Instagram: @ani_went_outside

More About Marie Uri

Marie is a director at United We Climb (UWC), where she focuses on opening up climbing to people who don’t always see themselves represented in the outdoors. Everything she does is voluntary and rooted in a genuine love for climbing and community. She's been able to introduce new climbers to the sport, organise trips to places like Fontainebleau and the Peak District, and help create opportunities for people who might otherwise never try climbing. She also works closely with climbing walls and organisations to talk openly about barriers, systemic racism, and inclusion. Along the way, I’ve shared my story on podcasts, in articles, and on stages.

Marie is also deeply passionate about wellbeing—both physical and mental. She knows first-hand how hard it can be to stay active while navigating mental health challenges, chronic illness, physical setbacks, and the whirlwind of ageing and perimenopause. That lived experience shapes her empathy, drive, and the way she shows up for the communities she cares about.

You can find out more about her on Instagram: @mijosy