The Possibility in Disability – Festivals that Inspire
By Karen Kraskow
‘Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you’re needed by someone.’ Disability film festivals underscore this piece of encouraging advice from Martina Navratilova and we, in New York, are fortunate to be the host to two of them in March: the ReelAbilities Film Festival (which by the way has spread to 14 other cities) and the Pace University Film Festival Marathon. Both celebrate the lives of individuals dealing with a disability, physical, developmental, or psychological. Empowerment, inclusion, the desire to lead a fulfilling life within society - are themes that will come through each and every short or narrative film.
The 7th Annual ReelAbilities: NY Disabilities Film Festival opens on March 12th and continues to March 18th. Every film of this festival is followed by a post-screening discussion, in the company of a featured actor, filmmaker or advocate in that particular field. Films (exhibitions and performances) will take place at the JCC Manhattan, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, university campuses, NYPL branches- 38 locations in the five boroughs and counties (4) surrounding the NYC area. For a full program of the NY locations, go to ny.reelabilities.org. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone: (646) 505 5708.
The third annual Celebration of Individuals with Disabilities in Film: Disability Film Festival Marathon 2015 at Pace University will take place on the following dates:
Tuesday March 17th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday March 23rd and 24th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday March 25th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. followed by a Panel Discussion by Distinguished Practitioners on Wednesday evening from 6 - 8 p.m.
The Panel Discussion on Wednesday will generate discussion with the audience, while hearing reflections from experts in the field of disability advocacy. The films, which are selected replays of films from the first three days, are bound to provoke vital discussion of the challenges and opportunities brought out in each film.
All Pace programs will be held at Pace University, 3 Spruce Street, B Level, Bianco Room in Lower Manhattan. To RSVP please contact Dr. James P. Lawler at 212 346-1013 or lawlerj@aol.com.
Film-lovers and audiences from all walks of life are bound to find meaning and inspiration from both programs (a number of the films from ReelAbilities will be repeated at Pace).
