Body & Soul: Diana & Kathy is an interesting film about two women (one with Down Syndrome, one with Cerebral Palsy) who live together and advocate for the right for people with disabilities to live independently outside of institutions. Filmed by Alice Elliott (The Collector of Bedford Street), Body & Soul follows Diana & Kathy as Diana struggles with her relationship with her mother and both decide to travel to Washington DC to plead for less restrictions on their independent living.

Although overall, Body & Soul is interesting, it is too short for its own good. At first, the film seems to be a “day in the life” type of film showing how these two women with disabilities are able to live independently. Then it becomes a film about how Diana tries to reunite with her mother. Finally, it becomes a film about them advocating for greater rights. All this transpires during a 40 minute runtime.

That Diana & Kathy were already activists prior to the making of the film seems like a disingenuous omission. More background about their activism and a stronger focus on their fight would have made for a more vital and informative film.

The trailer for Body & Soul is here.