Reframing Disability: Hybrid ReelAbilities Film Festival Returns to Kean April 3-5

Kean University will host ReelAbilities in a hybrid format this year, including in-person and virtual film screenings, from Thursday, April 3 through Saturday, April 5. ReelAbilities, a film festival dedicated to reframing disability through the power of film, features a diverse selection of award-winning documentary and narrative films from around the world that spotlight authentic experiences and artistic expressions of individuals with disabilities. 

Attendees have the option to view the screenings with a live audience at the North Avenue Academic Building Auditorium on Kean's Union, New Jersey campus, or online. All films are captioned, and films with audio description are available. Post-screening conversations led by guest speakers with disabilities invite audiences to engage in meaningful dialogue to expand understanding and shift perspectives. Tickets are $7 per screening, reflecting the festival's commitment to financial accessibility. For details on the festival lineup, trailers and tickets, visit keanstage.com/events/reelabilitiesnj/.  

"ReelAbilities at Kean amplifies disabled storytelling, increases opportunities for creators with disabilities, and fosters inclusive spaces where diverse experiences are valued and celebrated, as they are at Kean," said Steve Cochran, manager of Kean Stage. "By showcasing films with high cinematic value and authentic representation, both on-screen and behind the camera, we contribute to building a more just, welcoming and accessible campus community and broader society." 

The festival opens Thursday, April 3 at 10 a.m. with How to Build a Life, a short documentary about a young man with Asperger's, followed by Okthanksbye, a narrative film about two Deaf classmates on an unexpected road trip. At 6 p.m., the festival will explore themes of sexuality and disability through three compelling films: As You Are, My Eyes Are Up Here and Sexual Healing. 

On Friday, April 4 at 6 p.m., ReelAbilities continues with a screening of Working Differently, a short documentary advocating for industry-standard accessibility in film production, paired with La Lucha, a powerful documentary following disability rights activists on a transformative 250-mile journey across the Andes.  

Saturday’s narratives explore self-acceptance and personal growth. The 2 p.m. matinee will feature the short film Sea Legs alongside Good Bad Things, which tells the story of a young man with muscular dystrophy navigating online dating. The feature film is produced by New Jersey comedian and actor Steve Way. ReelAbilities at Kean will close at 6 p.m. that evening with screenings of Dosh, a short film about a mom with hearing loss protecting her son, and Daruma, the compelling story of an unemployed paraplegic who discovers he has a daughter.  

“ReelAbilities at Kean cultivates a space where disabled voices and stories take center stage, boldly disrupting stereotypes and celebrating the full depth of our identities – not just as subjects, but as protagonists, artists and producers,” said Millie Gonzalez, communication strategist for Kean’s Office of University Relations and disabled activist who helps coordinate the film festival at the University. “Kean Stage aims to create a community where access, inclusion and authentic narratives of the disabled experience are the norm, not the exception.” 

ReelAbilities New Jersey is led by Montclair State University and generously supported by the Kessler Foundation. The ReelAbilities at Kean University film festival and related programs are hosted by Kean Stage and supported by campus and community partners.  

The North Avenue Academic Building Auditorium at Kean University is located at 1000 Morris Avenue, at the corner of North Avenue, in Union, New Jersey. Accessible parking and seating are available at the venue. To purchase tickets and learn more, visit keanstage.com/events/reelabilitiesnj.