QNYC Event Highlight: The ReelAbilities Film Festival

Image Source: Central Queens Y

Prepare to be inspired without the Hollywood ending. The ReelAbilities: NY Disabilities Film Festival is part of the country’s largest showcase on the lives, stories and artistic expressions of those living with disabilities. Now in its fifth year, ReelAbilities mixes movies and documentaries by — and about — people with disabilities with post-screening discussions, presentations, speeches and other programs. On March 9 & 10, Queens-based activities will take place at the Museum of the Moving Image and the Central Queens Y with award-winning international short documentaries about people dealing with such maladies as Down syndrome, autism, Tourette’s syndrome, deaf-mutism and blindness. On March 11, the Central Queens Y’s program will feature Anita Hollander (pictured above), who has performed at the White House, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center despite losing a leg to cancer three decades ago. Her musical performance and talk will emphasize her survival guide for life’s catastrophes.