ReelAbilities Film Festival
Be a part of it all! ReelAbilities Film Festival is dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities. The festival presents award-winning films, accompanied by discussions and other engaging programs, which bring together the community to explore, discuss and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience.
Click here to download the Film Screening Schedule
For more information, please click here.
SPONSORS (as of 1/11/2012):
Gold Sponsors: $2,500
- The Estelle Friedman Gervis Family Foundation
Silver Sponsors: $1,000
Bronze Level Sponsors: $500
Friends of Reelabilities: $250
Partners (as of 1/11/2012):
Jewish Foundation for Group Homes
interPLAYcompany Band
The ARC of Northern Virginia
The ARC of Montgomery County
St. Luke’s House
Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning
Sunflower Bakery
Potomac Community Resources, Inc.
The Ivymount School & Programs
PEATC
Mental Health Associate of Montgomery County
Film Descriptions
Films are not rated, viewer discretion advised.
WARRIOR CHAMPIONS 80 Minutes | China & USA | Documentary
Four Iraq War veterans turn the nightmares of war into Olympic dreams. After losing limbs and suffering paralysis fighting for their country in Iraq, they have set out to do what many thought impossible… but will they make the cut? Winner Veterans Leadership Award, SINY Film Festival 2010 Best Political Feature Award.
BEN X 93 Minutes | Belgium | Drama | Subtitles
Ben lives in a universe unto itself. He hides from his harsh reality of school, being bullied, and awkward social interactions by escaping into his favorite online computer game, where he is safe, strong, and in control of his surroundings. 2008 Istanbul International Film Festival FIPRESCI Prize, 2007 Montreal World Film Festival Grand Prix Des Ameriques, Most Popular Film and Prize of the Ecumenical Jury 2008 Palm Springs International Film Festival Heinekin Red Star Award. 2008 Sedona International Film Festival Audience Award and Directors Choice Award.
HENRY O 76 Minutes | USA | Documentary
The story of Enrique (Henry) Oliu, a man blind since birth, who has made his major league baseball dream come true, being a color commentator for Florida's Tampa Bay Rays. Winner 2009 Accolade Competition Award of Excellence, 2009 Beverly Hills Film Festival Audience Choice Award, 2009 Breckenridge Festival of Film Best of the Fest.
SHAMELESS: THE ART OF DISABILITY 71 Minutes | Canada | Documentary
Director Bonnie Klein gathers a motley crew of artists with diverse disabilities for a pajama party. A comedian, poet, dancer, and others take a subversive look at Hollywood stereotypes of people with disabilities
SHOOTING BEAUTY 62 Minutes | USA | Documentary
Tells the story of fashion photographer Courtney Bent whose career takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a hidden world of beauty at a center for people living with significant disabilities. Winner 2009 Phoenix Film Festival Audience Award - Feature, 2009 Woods Hole Film Festival Audience Award - Best of Fest.
CROOKED BEAUTY 10 Minutes | USA | Documentary
A visually stunning account of artist-activist Jacks Ashley McNamara’s transformative journey from troubled childhood to psych ward patient to pioneering mental health advocate. This poetic tale reshapes mental health stigmas while re-approaching madness as a tool for creativity, inspiration and hope. Winner US Super 8 Film and Video Festival Grand Prize Documentary Short, Human Dignity Film Festival Best of Fest, Mendocina Film Festival Best Documentary Short, Athens International Film Festival Second Prize Documentary Short, Szeged International Super 8 Film Festival Best of Fest.
PRAYING WITH LIOR 87 Minutes | UK | Documentary
Lior has Down syndrome, and has spent his entire life praying with utter abandon. As Lior approaches Bar Mitzvah, the Jewish coming-of-age ceremony, different characters provides a window into life spent "praying with Lior." The movie poses difficult questions such as what is "disability" and who really talks to God?
ZIG ZAG LOVE 60 Minutes | BBC One | Drama
A modern love story of a unique affair between a teenage cancer patient and a girl with cerebral palsy. Together they escape to the Scottish Highlands in pursuit of a different reality.
WAR EAGLE, ARKANSAS 93 Minutes | USA | Drama
The story of friendship between Enoch Cass, a star pitcher with a debilitating stutter, and Samuel “Wheels” Macon, his best friend with cerebral palsy. The story finds these two at the crossroads of childhood and independence. Winner 2008 Breckenridge Festival of Film Best of Fest – Supporting Actor, 2008 Red Rock Film Festival, Utah – Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize, 2008 Sacramento Film and Music Festival Jury Prize Best Feature Film.