• By Mabel Pais

REELABILITIES FILM FESTIVAL: NEW YORK (RFFNY), an annual event, returns April 3–9, 2025 for its 17th edition, bringing audiences a diverse, thought-provoking lineup of over 30 films from around the globe. As the premier exhibitor of disability-related films worldwide, ReelAbilities continues to set the standard for accessibility, inclusion and community engagement. This year’s selection includes numerous World, U.S., and New York premieres along with the fourth ReelAbilities Industry Summit.

“For our 17th anniversary, the ReelAbilities selection committee has curated an exceptional showcase of films that expand imagination and celebrate excellence while reframing disability beyond stereotypes. They also excel as remarkable cinematic achievements in their own right,” says Isaac Zablocki, ReelAbilities’ co-founder and director. “The 2025 flagship festival spotlights perhaps our most diverse lineup to date, spanning across genres and perspectives while expanding our ongoing commitment to outside-the-box narratives that challenge preconceptions and spark meaningful conversations.”

OPENING NIGHT (at The Shed) – ‘The Trouble with Mr. Doodle’

ReelAbilities 2025 launches with an East Coast premiere of ‘The Trouble with Mr. Doodle’ at The Shed on April 3. Directed by Jaimie D’Cruz (‘Exit Through the Gift Shop’) and Ed Perkins (‘Tell Me Who I Am’), this innovative documentary explores the world of Sam Cox, whose compulsive doodling captivated millions online. The film delves beyond the viral phenomenon to examine the intersections of artistic obsession, mental health, and self-expression.

Additionally, MARISSA BODE, the trailblazing actress who made history as the first wheelchair user to portray Nessarose in the celebrated ‘Wicked’ film, will receive the festival’s Spotlight Award in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to disability representation on screen.

INCREDIBLE FILMS and UNMISSABLE PREMIERES

ReelAbilities 2025 features a powerful and diverse slate of narratives, documentaries, and short films highlighting disability culture, community, and creativity. This year’s must-see films include:

FEATURE FILMS

‘Blind AF’ (World Premiere) – A Blind Paralympic champion embarks on a historic 3,600-mile solo cycling journey, redefining her limits and independence.

‘Rising Phoenix: A New Revolution’ (World Premiere) – From the creators of ‘Rising Phoenix,’ this new documentary explores the next era of Paralympic sports and global disability advocacy.

‘Deaf President Now!’ (NY Premiere) – Co-directed by Nyle DiMarco, this documentary chronicles the 1988 Gallaudet University student-led protest that reshaped Deaf civil rights.

‘Championext’ (U.S. Premiere) – The sequel to Spain’s celebrated ‘Champions,’ this heartwarming sports dramedy follows a basketball team of players with intellectual disabilities as they redefine success.

‘Color Book’ – A father and his 11-year-old son with Down syndrome navigate an unexpected road trip to their first baseball game, discovering new ways to connect along the way.

‘Life After’ (NY Premiere) – A groundbreaking look at disability rights and medical ethics, revisiting a historic case that continues to shape conversations about respect, self-determination, and autonomy.

‘The Paper Bag Plan’ (NY Premiere) – A father, facing terminal illness, teaches his wheelchair-using son the skills to live independently before time runs out.

‘Magnetosphere’ – A young girl with synesthesia learns to embrace her unique sensory experiences through theater and music.

‘Maria Montessori’ – A historical drama exploring the pioneering educator’s fight for inclusive education in 19th-century Rome.

‘An Unquiet Mind’ – Powerful documentary dismantling myths about OCD using personal narratives.

‘My Own Normal’ – A filmmaker with cerebral palsy documents his unexpected journey into parenthood.

‘So Damn Easy Going’ – A Swedish coming-of-age story about a teenager navigating ADHD, romance, and independence.

‘Summer Brother’ – A transformative summer redefines the relationship between two brothers, one has a disability and the other doesn’t.

SHORT FILMS

‘Comedy Against Odds’ – A 10-year-old autistic comedian finds his voice through stand-up, challenging perceptions of disability and humor.

‘A Stupid Man’ (U.S. Premiere) – A wheelchair user reevaluates her relationship with her best friend in this fresh romantic comedy.

‘Iron Lung’ (U.S. Premiere) – A polio survivor and her sister must engineer a life-saving solution after a storm cuts power to her iron lung.

‘Unholy’ (NY Premiere) – A college student with a feeding tube navigates family expectations and traditions during a chaotic Passover Seder.

‘Lights, Camera, Friendship on the Spectrum’ – A new docuseries following young adults on the autism spectrum as they embark on creative endeavors.

‘Millstone’ – A psychological drama featuring an all-Deaf cast, exploring grief and unconventional therapy.

‘Turn Up The Bass’ – A documentary on Troi Lee, the founder of the UK’s Deaf rave scene.

‘BITE’ – A woman with PTSD navigates trauma through experimental storytelling.

‘The 17%’ – A documentary about an entrepreneur with Down syndrome reshaping workplace inclusion.

‘The Art of Weightlessness’ – An animated documentary on Bill Shannon’s unique fusion of dance and skateboarding using crutches.

‘Pyramid of Disunion’ – A wheelchair user’s quest for peace at an eco-commune leads to unexpected encounters.

EXPANDING PROGRAMMING & INDUSTRY IMPACT

In addition to the film screenings, ReelAbilities continues to expand its impact on the entertainment industry, offering exciting new programs and professional development opportunities:

REELABILITIES INDUSTRY SUMMIT (April 7–8)

Returning for its 4th year, in partnership with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment, ReelAbilities Industry Summit convenes leaders and innovators from AMC Networks, Amazon Studios, Vimeo, ITVS, and more.

Featuring panels, workshops, and networking events focusing on disability inclusion in media, casting, production, and storytelling.

REELABILITIES COMEDY NIGHT (April 4 at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts)

This highly anticipated event moves to Lincoln Center for the first time and showcases top disabled comedians, blending humor with powerful storytelling.

FILMMAKER Q&As & COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

Interactive discussions with directors, actors, and other disabled creatives exploring disability narratives, inclusion, and groundbreaking representation across media.

ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION

ReelAbilities remains the gold standard for accessibility in film, ensuring that all screenings, panels, and events include:

✔ Open captions on all films

✔ Audio description for all films

✔ ASL interpretation and CART (live captioning) for all Q&As, panels, and events

✔ Braille and large-print festival materials

✔ Sensory-friendly spaces and break rooms

✔ Wheelchair-accessible venues and service animal accommodations

✔ Select films available via streaming at reelabilities.org/stream

TICKETS & FESTIVAL INFORMATION

Tickets for Opening Night at The Shed, early-bird passes, and industry events are on  sale.

For the full lineup and complete details about TIFFANY, visit:

reelabilities.org/newyork

For Industry Summit details, visit:

reelabilities.org/summit

Please note: Events are subject to change.

Reelabilities

ReelAbilities: Founded in 2007, ReelAbilities has grown from a single New York-based film festival into an independent nonprofit with over a dozen affiliate festivals across North America, including our flagship annual event, ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York (RFFNY), the premier exhibitor celebrating and innovating how the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of disability are presented and represented in media worldwide.

(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Spirituality, The Arts and Entertainment, and Cuisine)