Kaylynn Kubeldis: Paving The Way For Disabled Talent

First-time actress, Kaylynn Kubeldis, an alumnus of Junior Blind of America, picks up the Best Young Actress award at the 10th Annual World Music & Independent Film Festival (WMIFF) in Washington D.C. 

Kubeldis, who was born blind, stars in AZ Films’ drama feature film ‘OPUS OF AN ANGEL’, alongside veteran actor William McNamara (Natural Enemy), Cindy Pickett (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), Jamison Newlander (The Lost Boys), and is the first young actress, with such a disability, to be recognized for their outstanding performance in a feature film.

“Against the more traditional casting methods, I chose to utilize the support of Stevie Wonder’s LA-based charity, Junior Blind of America, which was established in 1953.” said director Ali Zamani. “We cast the talents of thirteen-year-old Kaylynn Kubeldis, a blind girl with no previous acting experience, but a passion to play our lead actress, so as to show a real perspective of the topics being discussed. Kaylynn made it her own and more ‘real’ than we could have imagined. Her performance is spellbinding and we are so thrilled she just won the Best Young Actress award.”

Directed by Ali Zamani and written by Shahram Zargari (Maul Dogs) and Ali Zamani, ‘OPUS OF AN ANGEL’, follows Stephen (McNamara), a successful cardiologist until a tragic event cost him everything he held dear. Exactly one year later Stephen has created a sentimental tour of the City of Angels, as a tribute to those he lost. His final stop on the tour will be back at his home, where he plans to take his own life. During his journey he has a chance encounter with a blind girl, Maria, who has gotten lost in the city. Along the way she effortlessly begins opening his eyes to the boundless beauty of the world and that his life still has value. Her positive perspective forces Stephen to confront his inner demons and the decision to end his life. 

Produced by Zeus Zamani and Levon Davis, ‘OPUS OF AN ANGEL’ scooped up three awards at the prestigious WMIFF event, from its five nominations, including; Best Screen Play, Best Director and Best Young Actress.

View the original article here.