ReelAbilities Film Festival, Three Days of Films, Conversations and Community
Kean Stage will present the ReelAbilities Film Festival from Thursday, October 8 through Saturday, October 10, at Kean University’s North Avenue Academic Building (NAAB) Auditorium. The three-day festival features six screenings of award-winning films by and about people with disabilities, followed by conversations with disabled actors, advocates and community members.
Tickets, film descriptions and the festival schedule are available online at keanstage.com/reelabilitiesnj.
Recognized as the nation’s largest festival dedicated to disability stories and talent, ReelAbilities uses film to challenge stereotypes, promote accessibility and foster dialogue. Highlights at Kean include Lone Wolves, a romantic dramedy about autism, friendship and fertility; Disposable Humanity, a documentary examining the history of disabled victims of the Nazi Aktion T4 program; Heavy Healing, an exploration of music and mental health; and Espina, about a paraplegic Venezuelan expat who sets out on a journey ahead of spinal surgery.
“ReelAbilities at Kean creates a space where powerful stories can spark understanding, connection and conversation,” said Steve Cochran, Manager of Kean Stage. “This festival is designed for anyone interested in the human experience.”
The festival aligns with Kean University's commitment to inclusivity, accessibility and public impact. Each screening at Kean will include a post-film discussion led by disabled actors, advocates and community members about the themes of the film.
“It is powerful to see the lived experience of disability reflected authentically on screen and to have disabled people leading conversations about how those themes play out in our own lives,” said Millie Gonzalez, assistant director in the Office of University Relations and a disabled activist who helps coordinate the festival at Kean.
Accessibility: All films will be presented with open captions, with audio-described films available upon request. Live discussions will feature AI-powered captioning through Koda, and the NAAB Auditorium is wheelchair accessible. Tickets are $7 per screening and $5 for groups and students with a valid ID. Virtual viewing will be available for select programs.
Tickets, film descriptions and additional festival information are available at keanstage.com/reelabilitiesnj.
Festival co-sponsors include Kean’s CRECE: Center for Hispanic Leadership and Culture and Council on Global Education and Citizenship, along with other campus and community partners.
Festival Schedule
Thursday, October 8
10 a.m. – ReelShorts: Beyond Expectations
2:15 p.m. – Disposable Humanity with Don’t Take This the Wrong Way 6:30 p.m. – Opening Night: Lone Wolves with Rearranged
Friday, October 9
6:30 p.m. – Heavy Healing with We Are the Audience
Saturday, October 10
2 p.m. – ReelShorts: Disability Culture
6:30 p.m. – Closing Night: Espina with Babka
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