A Collaboration of the Akron-Summit County Public Library and the Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board

ReelAbilities Film Festival is the largest festival in the US dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities through award-winning films by and about people with disabilities. This fall ReelAbilities Film Festival Cleveland will host a series of events, including two days in Akron. Post-screening discussions and other engaging programs will bring together the community to explore, discuss, embrace, and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience.

Thursday, September 12, 6:30 pm, Main Library, Auditorium

“Image and Self-Image”

Films (includes mature language and adult topics) :

• Coaching Colburn 15 min.
• Barber of Augusta 26 min.
• On Beauty 30 min.

Opening night of the ReelAbilities Film Festival Cleveland @ Akron Film Festival begins at 6:30 pm with an opening art show reception, followed at 7 pm by three short films that consider image and self-image through the lens of differing abilities and family and community connections. The screening will be followed by a 30-minute presentation by On Beauty’s award-winning photographer Rick Guidotti.

Open Captions Available | CART | Audio Description On Demand | ASL On Demand

Saturday, September 14, 10:30 am, Main Library, Children's Library Programming Room

“Designed for Inclusion”

Films (for all audiences):

• Macropolis 7 min.
• Anything You Can Do 7 min.

ReelAbilities Film Festival Cleveland @ Akron continues on Saturday morning at 10:30 am with an event for the whole family. Two brief and engaging films, one animated and one live-action, will invite participants to consider adaptation for inclusion and participation.

How can we ensure that everyone has an opportunity to live fully in our community? After the screening, local students and professional engineers, the Inclusioneers, will work with Festival attendees to answer that question by leading fun, design-related activities for all.

Open Captions Available | CART | Audio Description On Demand | ASL On Demand

Saturday, September 14, 1:30 pm, Main Library, Auditorium

“Breaking Barriers”

Films (includes mature language and adult topics):

• 4 Quarters of Silence 17 min.
• The Rebound 66 min.

The ReelAbilities Film Festival Cleveland @ Akron Film Festival concludes with a celebratory reception and two powerful films about finding success and renewal on the football field and the basketball court. Following this screening, attendees will hear from players and coaches who demonstrate daily that sports are for athletes of all abilities.

Open Captions Available | CART | ASL Available | Audio Description On Demand

For more information about ReelAbilities Film Festival Cleveland @ Akron, please contact Barb White, 330-643-9102; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..