Just like obstacles, disabilities are meant to be overcome. When “Reel” people come together for a common cause “Reel” change happens. The ReelAbilities Houston Film and Arts Festival is a free citywide event that will open on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2017, at The Houston Ballet located downtown. There will be a short preview of the Festival with the Ballet starting at 6:15 p.m. Houstonians and others are cordially invited to view the showing. ReelAbilities is the largest event of its kind in the country. They use the arts as a vehicle to educate and help change perceptions about people with disabilities.
This year’s Chairperson is Vikki Evans, and she is excited about the Festival because of the impact ReelAbilities Houston has on the lives of Houstonians everywhere. “I’m passionate about the festival because it celebrates the diversity that makes Houston what it is, and it challenges us to take a deeper look at how we treat others — disability or not,” said Evans.
The official kickoff event is ReelPeople: UP Abilities which is a partnership with The UP Experience that will take place on February 16th at the Rice University Shepherd School of Music. Presentations from amazing technology and design from leaders on mental and physical disabilities, and topics of inclusion. This year’s focus will be on technology and design, and the impact video games have on the lives of those living with varying levels of abilities.
From February 19-23, the Children’s Museum of Houston (CMH), will show several family-friendly films. All attendees will receive Snuggles, a children’s book by Andrea White and Mini Vance, courtesy of the Mostyn Moreno Foundation. For more information, please visit www.cmhouston.org. President’s day is on the 20th, and to celebrate CMH will host a sensory-friendly day from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. which is crafted especially for children with Autism Spectrum disorders and sensory processing differences. Please visit www.cmhouston.org/sensory-friendly for more information. Also on the 20th, there will be a screening series of family-friendly shorts from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Edwards Greenway Grand Palace, which is the home to this year's ReelAbilities Film Festival. During these events, the parking is free along with the movies.
Are you a musician in the making? Well, you should plan to attend the jam session. ReelMusic is the all-inclusive jazz and blues jam session. Professional jazz and blues performers invite artists with disabilities to jam with the band at the Secret Group on February 23, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The doors open at 5:00 p.m. ReelMusic is in collaboration with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston Women’s B & P2 Group and The Secret Group. Lastly, ReelArt is a public art exhibit and gallery at The Celebration Company that showcases and sells the artwork, photography, and products from artists with disabilities. It is open from now until March 31, 2017.
Houston is considered one of the most innovative cities hosting ReelAbilities. As this festival utilizes multiple avenues to further educate the community beyond strictly film, including ReelMusic, an all-inclusive jazz, and blues music jam. “I'm proud to call Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the nation, my home,” said Evans.
