Crosswalk is a short film made in just four days for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, a space that uplifts disabled creatives on and off screen. It was fast, messy, and honestly didn’t feel possible at first. But Dennis V. Tran helped push it into something real, both behind the scenes and as the lead, Lewis.

As Lewis, Dennis carries the heart of the film. The character is deeply personal, shaped by his experiences growing up Vietnamese American and navigating disability and neurodivergence in spaces where those conversations don’t always have language. His performance sits in that tension of being misunderstood while still trying to be seen, and what it means when someone actually gets you.

This project also marks Dennis’ debut on screen, but more than that, it’s about stepping into his own story. Not just acting it out, but living it in a way that feels honest and specific.

Crosswalk came together through real collaboration, with Keili Fernando bringing people together and helping hold the vision through a tight timeline. What came out of it is more than just a film. It’s proof of what can happen when people show up for each other and build something together, even when it feels unlikely.

Dennis V. Tran is a well-versed in bringing lived experience to projects at the intersection of media, storytelling, accessibility, and social impact. His advisory work goes beyond board participation, shaping authentic, respectful representation in TV, podcasts, and other media. Notably, he consulted on Blue’s Clues & You! for the introduction of Lavender, the show’s first autistic character, and brings his expertise to conversations as a guest host on the Innovating Inclusion podcast, exploring disability, neurodivergence, and inclusive innovation through community-informed insight.