Film Fest to Amplify the Voices of America’s Largest Minority

From April 19-22, Kean will host the ReelAbilities: New Jersey Disabilities Film Festival, featuring screenings of more than 20 films from the United States and around the world complemented by engaging programs, all related to the largest minority group in America – the disability community.   “Kean Stage is committed to presenting high-quality programs that reflect the diversity of the arts, audiences and artists,” said Steve Cochran, manager of Kean Stage. “ReelAbilities furthers that commitment by challenging perceptions and stereotypes through authentic portrayals and fictional stories that provide viewers a glimpse into the lived experiences of people with disabilities.”    Kean’s event begins with a screening of American Veteran on Thursday, April 19. Highlights of the subsequent screenings include Mind Over Matter, a real-life story of a young man with cerebral palsy who achieves his dream of becoming a rock guitarist modeled after the band Korn; Defiant Lives, an exploration of the disability rights movement; and Patrick’s Day, an intimate look at living with mental health concerns. Short films will precede each feature film.    An encore ReelAbilities presentation of Margarita with a Straw will be held on Sunday, April 22 as part of Kean Stage’s International Film Series. The film is a funky, coming-of-age tale based on the true story of a Punjabi teenage girl with cerebral palsy who moves to New York City to attend NYU.   ReelAbilities celebrates the lives, stories and artistic abilities of people from across a wide spectrum of disabilities and captures the current zeitgeist of the disability community. Post-screening programs bring the broader community together with musicians, artists, experts and other guests to further explore the themes and stories presented in the films. 
  This is the third time that Kean has hosted the ReelAbilities Film Festival since it made its New Jersey debut in 2013.  ReelAbilities New Jersey is led by Montclair State University with support from the Kessler Foundation. Montclair State University, Montclair Art Museum and JCC MetroWest will also host films between April 3-22.    ReelAbilities provides all-captioned content. Assistive listening devices, ASL interpretation, CART, audio description, and Braille and large-print programs are available with advanced request to the venue. Kean Stage venues are wheelchair accessible and ample accessible parking is available. 
  For more details about the festival, visit www.kean.edu/ReelAbilitiesNJ, call (908) 737-0586 or email reelabilities@kean.edu. Tickets will be on sale through the Kean Stage Box Office on Friday, April 6.