These flat ribbons are used because they are extremely compact and flexible. They can fit into the tight designs used by products that use these screens.
The ribbons are all non-standard and are custom made much in the same way as PCBs are all custom for the product they are used in. This makes them very hard to replace.
The connectors are standard components. However I don't think there are any adapters to allow regular wires to be attached to such a connector, nor will you be able to connect regular wires to such a connector. Such an adapter might be created by someone if they were so inclined.
It is in theory possible to remove the connector and run wires between the pads. Such an arrangement would be delicate and impractical. The pads used for the connectors are tiny and would be easily ripped off.
In addition you may find issues running longer lengths of wire for these signals.