www.reelboston.org

BOSTON

MARCH 21—MARCH 29, 2018

Wednesday, March 21: Opening Night Northeastern University, Cabral Center 1:30 PM ..............Opening Night Kickoff Museum of Science, Cahners Theatre 6:30 PM .....................................Sanctuary

Thursday, March 22 Emerson College, Bright Family Screening Room 7:00 PM ........................................... Unrest

Friday, March 23 Lesley University Amphitheater 4:30 PM ...........................Intelligent Lives ................................. Panel Discussion

Sunday, March 25 Somerville Theatre 3:00 PM .......................... It’s Not Yet Dark

Monday, March 26 JCC Riemer-Goldstein Theater 7:00 PM ......................... Keep the Change

Tuesday, March 27 Cambridge Public Library 6:30 PM .....................................STUMPED

Wednesday, March 28 Showcase Cinema de Lux Revere 6:30 PM .......Thank You for Your Service Cotting School 7:00 PM ...................................Swim Team Coolidge Corner Theatre 7:00 PM ...ReelLove Short Film Program

Thursday, March 29: Closing Night Brattle Theatre 7:00 PM .................................Off the Rails

ReelAbilities strives for inclusion of all people and is dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with different abilities from a variety of communities.

All venues are wheelchair accessible. Individuals needing accommodations should contact us by March 5, 2018 at 617.244.9899 or info@reelboston.org. All films are recommended for ages 17 and older. Thanks to our generous donors, complimentary tickets are available for groups from agencies serving people with disabilities. Please contact the Festival office at 617.244.9899 or info@reelboston.org for more information.

ACCESSIBILITY

MISSION

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

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NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Wednesday, March 211:30 to 4:30 PM—Opening Night Kickoff with LCA 2.0

Join us for a spotlight event with Lights! Camera! Access! 2.0. Resume Review, Speed Interview, Flash Mentoring, Networking Workshop, and Panel.

LCA 2.0 media and disability professionals present career-building activities, answer questions, and provide advice on launching a career in film and media. LCA 2.0 is dedicated to promoting disability-inclusive and authentic portrayals in TV, film, news, theater and advertising by increasing employment of aspiring media professionals with disabilities in front of and behind the camera.

Free admission, Registration Required at https://goo.gl/Wuy7wf

OPENING NIGHT KICKOFF WITH LCA 2.0

Co-presented with

Director Len CollinIreland, 86 min, Narrative, In English with Open Captions and Audio Description

Larry and Sophie are in love. Larry has Down syndrome and Sophie has severe epilepsy. With the help of their care worker, Tom, they sneak away to a hotel room during a supervised trip to the movies. While Tom is distracted with Larry and Sophie, the group gets restless and sets out on their own adventures: shopping at the mall and pints at a pub. Sanctuary is a truly subversive piece of cinema about two young people trying to be together, in a world doing everything to keep them apart.

Discussion and Reception to follow with director Len Collin and actor Kieran Coppinger.

Free admission Register at www.reelboston.org

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE

Sanctuary

Wed. March 21, 6:30 pm

OPENING NIGHT

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Director Jennifer Brea USA, 97 min, Documentary, In English with Open Captions and Audio Description

Jennifer Brea is a Harvard PhD student with a taste for adventure, married to the love of her life, when suddenly her body begins to fail her. Jennifer starts filming her darkest moments, chronicling her journey, including her diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). As she searches for answers online, Jennifer connects with other CFS sufferers across the globe and films their stories. A personal documentary that asks us to examine the stigma associated with an illness that affects millions and still has no cure.

Skype Q&A to follow with director and film subject Jennifer Brea.

Free admission Register at www.reelboston.org

Director Dan Habib Panel Discussion led by filmmaker Dan Habib: Documenting an Inclusive Path from High School to College

Documentary filmmaker Dan Habib (Including Samuel, Who Cares About Kelsey?) screens and discusses clips from his upcoming film, Intelligent Lives. The film focuses on young adults with disabilities as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce.

Panel Discussion moderated by Dan Habib about inclusive pathways to higher education for students with disabilities with Elizabeth Stringer Keefe, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Special Education Division at Lesley University; and film subjects Micah Fialka-Feldman of Syracuse University, Naieer Shaheed from Henderson High School (in Dorchester, MA), and Henderson principal, Patricia Lampron.

Free admission Register at www.reelboston.org

EMERSON COLLEGE LESLEY UNIVERSITY

Unrest Intelligent Lives: Panel Discussion

Thu. March 22, 7:00 pm Fri. March 23, 4:30 pm

Co-presented with

Graduate Studies in Autism,Graduate School of Education at Lesley University

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Director Frankie FentonUSA, 81 min, Documentary, In English with Open Captions

Soon after the premiere of his first short film at Sundance, Simon Fitzmaurice, a 34-year old Irish filmmaker, is diagnosed with ALS. Despite complete physical incapacitation, Fitzmaurice draws strength from his desire to create film and directs his first feature film, My Name is Emily (2015), using only his eyes. Narrated by Colin Farrell, the film transports us into Simon’s creative world on a journey of self-realization and triumph.

Discussion to follow

Tickets $12 each online at www.reelboston.org. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the ALS TDI Institute.

Director Rachel IsraelUSA, 94 min, Narrative, In English with Open Captions

A rom-com set in a world where no character is typical. David is obsessed with being perceived as “normal”—thanks in part to his parents (Tibor Feldman, The Sopranos, and Jessica Walter, Arrested Development). When David is forced to attend an autism support group, he meets Sarah, who exudes positivity and confidence. But when Sarah goes home to meet David’s family, their romance is challenged. Keep the Change’s cast includes actors on the autism spectrum.

Discussion to follow with actress Samantha Elisofon; Caitlin McInerney, Program Director of Adaptations; and Alex LoPinto, Adaptations and Ha Dereckh Coordinator, JCC Manhattan Center for Special Needs.

Free admission Register at www.reelboston.org

SOMERVILLE THEATRE JCC RIEMER-GOLDSTEIN THEATER

It’s Not Yet Dark

Keepthe Change

Sun. March 25, 3:00 pm Mon. March 26, 7:00 pm

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Director Robin Berghaus USA, 72 min, Documentary, In English with Open Captions

After Boston University Professor Will Lautzenheiser is diagnosed with a life-threatening bacterial infection, doctors are forced to amputate his arms and legs to save his life. Over time, Will learns to cope through stand-up comedy, but, when he hears of an experimental transplant surgery, he is determined to take part. This documentary chronicles four years of Will’s life as an amputee as he becomes the third patient to undergo a double-arm transplant at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Discussion to follow with film subject Will Lautzenheiser; Marie José Benjamin, ORT/L, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; and Marissa Osborne, MS, OTR/L, Spaulding Rehabilitation Network.

Free admission Register at www.reelboston.org

Director Tom DonahueUSA, 88 min, Documentary, In English with Open Captions

With 20 veterans dying by suicide every day, the United States military faces a mental health crisis of epic proportions. Tom Donahue’s documentary focuses on four Iraq War veterans who, like thousands of others, are struggling with PTSD. Thank You for Your Service takes aim at the failed mental health policies of the U.S. military and the barriers to receiving proper and effective care and treatment. Donahue explores why the military was not prepared for the impact of combat in Afghanistan and Iraq on our service members, the lessons forgotten from past wars, and the need for wide-scale reform.

Discussion to follow with director Tom Donahue and film subject William Rodriguez.

Free admission Register at www.reelboston.org

CAMBRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY SHOWCASE CINEMA DE LUX REVERE

STUMPED Thank You for Your Service

Tue. March 27, 6:30 pm Wed. March 28, 6:30 pm

Co-presented with

ccpdCambridge

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Director Lara Stolman USA, 100 min, Documentary, In English with Open Captions

Swim Team follows the Jersey Hammerheads, a truly unique competitive swim team, comprised of diverse teens on the autism spectrum. The film follows the extraordinary journey of the team and their families as they practice and compete at the regional and state levels. As they navigate daily struggles, both in and out of the pool, the Jersey Hammerheads will have you cheering from your seats.

Pre-screening reception 6-6:45 pm

Discussion to follow with film subjects Mike, Maria, and Michael McQuay.

Free admission Register at www.reelboston.org

COTTING SCHOOL COOLIDGE CORNER THEATRE

On BeatDirectors Cheng Zhang, Reid Davenport, USA, 6 min, Documentary

Perfectly Normal Director Joris DebeijUSA, 12 min, Documentary

Marina’s Ocean Director Cássio Pereira dos SantosBrazil, 16 min, Narrative, In Portuguese

Brooklyn Love Tales Director Anthony Di Salvo USA, 12 min, Documentary

How We Met Laurel Director Arpita AnejaUSA, 12 min, Documentary

Beyond Silence: A Be Vocal DocumentaryDirector Shaul SchwarzUSA, 29 min, Documentary Discussion to follow with film subject Lloyd Hale

All films have English Open Captions

Tickets $10 each online at www.reelboston.org

Swim Team ReelLove Short Film Program

Wed. March 28, 7:00 pm Wed. March 28, 7:00 pm

Cotting School is a proud partner of Special Olympics MA

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BRATTLE THEATRE Director Adam Irving USA, 86 min, Documentary, In English with Open Captions

The remarkable true story of Darius McCollum, a man with Asperger’s syndrome, whose love of transit has landed him in jail 32 times for impersonating New York City bus drivers and subway conductors. Although Darius has never damaged any property or hurt anyone, he remains imprisoned in Rikers Island in New York. Darius’ story embodies the criminal justice system’s failure to channel the passions of a mentally challenged man into a purposeful life.

Discussion to follow with film subjects Sally Butler, Esq., lawyer for Darius McCollum; and Liz Loebman, Forensic Social Worker.

Tickets $10 each online at www.reelboston.org

Thursday, March 29, 7:00 pm

Off the Rails

Co-presented with

CLOSING NIGHT

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“ All too often, people with disabilities are excluded from the film industry and many times these characters are represented inauthentically, by actors who do not have disabilities. We are proud to partner with ReelAbilities to bring films featuring people with disabilities to the mainstream public. Viewers will watch these stories and gain a new understanding of the value of inclusion.”

—Sharon Shapiro, Trustee, Ruderman Family Foundation

Brattle Theatre40 Brattle StreetCambridge, MA 02138617.876.6837

Cambridge Public Library449 BroadwayCambridge, MA 02138617.349.4040

Coolidge Corner Theatre290 Harvard StreetBrookline, MA 02446 617.734.2500

Cotting School453 Concord AvenueLexington, MA 02421781.862.7323

Emerson CollegeBright Family Screening RoomParamount Center559 Washington StreetBoston, MA 02111617.824.8000

Lesley UniversityUniversity AmphitheaterGraduate School of Education, Floor 21815 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02138 617.868.9600

JCC Greater Boston Riemer-Goldstein Theater333 Nahanton StreetNewton, MA 02459617.558.6522

Northeastern UniversityCabral Center at the John D. O’Bryant African American Institute, 40 Leon St., 216B, Boston, MA 02115617.373.3537

Museum of Science, BostonCahners Theatre1 Science ParkBoston, MA 02114617.723.2500

Showcase Cinema de Lux Revere 565 Squire RoadRevere, MA 02151800.315.4000

Somerville Theatre55 Davis SquareSomerville, MA 02144617.625.5700

PRESENTING PARTNERS

VENUES & SPONSORS

Proudly presented by

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Access Recreation BostonAcessSport AmericaALS Association Massachusetts

ChapterALS Therapy Development InstituteThe Arc of MassachusettsAsperger/Autism NetworkAspireAutistic Self-Advocacy NetworkBoston Center for Refugee Health &

Human Rights Boston University School of

EducationBoys and Girls Club of DorchesterBritish ConsulateBrazilian ConsulateCambridge Commission for Persons

with DisabilitiesCambridge Public LibraryCarroll Center for the BlindChelsea Jewish FoundationCity of Boston Mayor’s Commission

for Persons with DisabilitiesCJP Committee on Services for

People with DisabilitiesConsulate General of IrelandCotting SchoolCVS CorporationDeaf Film CampDisability Law CenterThe DocYardDoug Flutie Jr. Foundation for

AutismEastersealsEIN SOF Communications Emerson CollegeExceptional LivesFederation for Children with Special

NeedsThe Five ProjectGateway ArtsGateways: Access to Jewish

EducationGeneral Electric Affinity Networks

People with Disabilities General Electric Veterans NetworkGlobeDocsHarvard Law School Project

on DisabilityHome Base Veteran and Family Care

IMPACT: AbilityInclusion Films Institute for Community InclusionInstitute for Human Centered DesignIrish Film Festival Jewish Big Brothers Big SistersJewish Community Centers of

Greater BostonJewish Family & Children’s ServiceJewish Vocational ServiceLesley UniversityLeventhal-Sidman JCCLeonard Florence CenterThe Loreen Arbus FoundationMass Advocates for ChildrenMassachusetts Alliance

of Portuguese SpeakersMassachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM

AssociationMassachusetts Down Syndrome CongressMuseum of Science, BostonNAMI Greater Boston Consumer Advocacy NetworkNational Disability Mentoring

CoalitionNEADS World Class Service DogsNortheast ARCNortheastern University Cooperative Education and Career DevelopmentOpening Doors to the ArtsOpen Style LabPartners for Youth with DisabilitiesPerkins School for the BlindPolicyworksRoxbury International Film FestivalRuderman Synagogue Inclusion ProgramSpaulding Rehabilitation HospitalSpecial Needs Professionals

CommitteeSpecial Olympics SunovionUMass BostonUnderstanding Our DifferencesVSA MassachusettsWaypoint AdventureWORK Inc.Yachad/National Jewish Center

for Disabilities

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

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STAFF :

Mara Bresnahan, Festival DirectorJaymie Saks, Executive DirectorNyssy Clark, Festival ProducerAriana Cohen-Halberstam, Boston

Jewish Film Festival Artistic DirectorShayna Worby, Marketing DirectorCam Bauchner, Festival AssociateAnn Bersani, Accounting/Office ManagerGoldie Eder, ReelAbilities AdvisorEllie Pierce, ReelAbilities AdvisorErin Batchelder, InternLaurann Black and Wesley Hicks,

Print Traffic and Tech Operations Managers

REELABILITIES ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS:

Kristen McCosh, Board ChairCharles BaldwinAnn BersaniLouise Citron Jessica DoonanPatrick DownesGoldie EderMaureen FinnertyAlexander FreemanMatan KochCarole ParrishEllie Pierce

Carl RichardsonHarriet SchnitmanSharon ShapiroCarol SteinbergDon Wertlieb

BOSTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL BOARD MEMBERS:

Barbara Resnek, PresidentDebra AnkelesBeverly BavlyDoreen BeinartJill CohenLawrence S. Feinberg, TreasurerLee K. ForgoshJudith L. GanzNancy GosselsJim GouldJudy Lappin, Vice PresidentBette Ann LibbyMark LowensteinCynthia MarcusTaren Metson, Vice PresidentJoyce F. PastorNancy S. RaphaelAdam RiemerPaul G. RobertsKen Shulman, ClerkDana VolmanDenise L. Widman

Registration for all screenings and events is strongly advised. Reserve your seat at www.reelboston.org

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