In association with Alpert Family and Children’s Service
Reel Abilities Palm Beach is November 2-5, don’t miss it!
Sunday November 2 at Mandel JCC, Palm Beach Gardens
1:30pm
DEFINING BEAUTY: MS. WHEELCHAIR AMERICA
Documentary, 78 min., USA
This film focuses on the vibrant lives of five women on their journey to the Ms. Wheelchair America 2010 pageant. This intimate portrait leaves you cheering for all the contestants and captures the true essence of beauty
in all the women. Open Captions. Speaker: Meredith Lee, LifePlanning® Program
4:15pm
HENRY O!
Documentary, 76 min., USA
Enrique (Henry) Oliu, blind since birth, has made his major league baseball dream come true. Calling upon his love for sports and an encyclopedic memory for facts and figures, Henry is the analyst for the
strongest Hispanic station in Tampa. At his side in the broadcast booth is his wife Deb, whispering in his
ear up-to-the-minute stats. Open Captions. Speaker: Henry Oliu
7:00pm
CINEMABILITY
Documentary, 98 min, USA
From silent films to today’s blockbusters, from Chaplin to X-Men, disability portrayals are ever changing.
This dynamic documentary looks at the evolution of “disability” in entertainment with interviews and film
clips from Hollywood’s most beloved motion pictures and television shows. Speakers: Jason Harris,
founder, jasonsconnection.org and Jeffrey P. Harris the Founder of the Saul Schottenstein Foundation and Vicki Dericco,
from the film Cinemability. This film is generously sponsored by Barbara Kay
Monday, November 3 at Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Services, West Palm Beach
4:00 pm
COMING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN
Narrative, 80 min., United Kingdom
Teenager David (Nicholas Hoult: X-Men, About A Boy) has one irritation in life, his brother, Ben, who
has Down Syndrome. The family's world revolves around Ben's needs. When the family moves from
London to the North of England, David’s world is shattered. Winner of the RADAR People of the Year Human Rights
Media Award. Speaker: Meredith Lee, LifePlanning® Program
7:00pm
THE IMPORTANCE OF TYING YOUR OWN SHOES
Narrative,100 min, Swedish with subtitles.
When Alex gets a job as the leader of a group home for people with
disabilities his outlook on life begins to change. Following a disastrous start, Alex starts to tune in to
the warm and charming individuals in the group. Beyond their handicaps they are full of dreams, spirit and unexpected
talent. This is a deeply moving comedy with plenty of heart and soul. Speaker: Elaine Rotenberg, Clinical Director
AJFCS. This film is generously sponsored by Seagull Services
Tuesday, November 4 at Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services, Delray Beach
4:00pm
GIRLFRIEND
Narrative, 94 min., USA
Evan, a young man with Down Syndrome, lives in a working-class town. When he unexpectedly comes
into a large amount of money, Evan uses it to pursue the girl he has loved since high school. Featuring
Shannon Woodward (Raising Hope) and Jackson Rathbone (The Twilight Saga). Official selection:
Toronto International Film Festival. Speakers: Esther Lupin, Community Outreach Coordinator; Rales Family Service &
Meredith Lee, LifePlanning® Program. This film is generously sponsored by Palm Beach Cultural Council
7:00pm
PRINCESS
Narrative, 104 min., Finland, Finnish with subtitles
Based on real-life events, the amazing story of Anna Lappalainen who spent 50 years as a patient at a
psychiatric hospital, where her lovable personality brought joy to those around her and where she claimed
to be a princess. This film was a critical and box-office success and colorfully depicts the world of mental
institutions in the 1930’s through 1950’s. Speaker: Cindy Dodig, Apartment Program Director Levine Jewish
Residential and Family.
Wednesday, November 5 at Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter
4:00pm
IT'S ALL ABOUT FRIENDS
Narrative, 91 min., Sweden, Swedish, Flemish with subtitles
Max is a New York-based cinematographer. Contacted by an old friend Peter, who invites him to come to
Sweden and help him make a film. Once Max gets there, he realizes that the documentary he has promised to shoot is about people with disabilities. Speakers: Speakers: Elaine Rotenberg, Clinical Director
AJFCS & Dianne Matthew, VP of Clinical Services Rales Family Service.
This film is generously sponsored by Palm Beach Cultural Council
7:15pm
STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS
Narrative, 2012, 107 mi , USA
One day Ricky, a 13-year-old boy with autism ,wanders into the NYC subway system. Overwhelmed by his
surroundings, he loses track of space and time in the massive, underground labyrinth. Fittingly shot in postHurricane Sandy, this film beautifully illustrates Ricky’s solitude in the crowded sea of New York. Special
Jury Prize, Tribeca Film Festival. Speaker: Damon Page, PHD, Dept. of Neuroscience, Scripps Institute of Research.
This film is generously sponsored by Lesser, Lesser , Landy & Smith PLLC Attorneys At Law & Joseph Landy.
Reel Abilities strives for inclusion of all people. All venues are wheelchair accessible. ASL interpretation, CART,
and Audio Description are available upon advance request. All films are captioned or subtitled.
Individuals needing accommodations to participate should contact us by October 20 at 561-736-7527 or
[email protected].
Recommended for ages 17 +.
Tickets: $10. To order: 1-877-318-0071 or www.pbjff.org
Thank you to our generous Reel Abilities Partners:
Barbara Kay
Thank you to our Community Partners: