Snow White and the dwarfism debate

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Are the seven dwarfs perpetuating dangerous stereotypes or harmless fantasy figures?

Disney is remaking its 1937 classic Snow White as a live action film - but this time there’s no mention of dwarfs in the title. Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage, who has a form of dwarfism, has questioned whether the story should be retold at all, calling it “backward”. But others argue that it’s just a fairytale - and one that can provide valuable work to actors with dwarfism. So how will the remake handle the dwarfs? What is dwarfism and what are the best terms to use? And we take a tour through Hollywood history, from Oompa Loompas to Middle Earth.

Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Simon Maybin, Phoebe Keane, Ellie House Production coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Penny Murphy