17th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival Honors "Wicked" Actress & Showcases Films From Around the World

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Parent Category: Film Festivals

Category: Previews

Published on Monday, 24 March 2025 21:08

Written by Brad Balfour

Don't Look Away

The 17th annual ReelAbilities Film Festival is a disability-focused fest with an international tableau of cinema. Running April 3 to the 9th in NYC, the RAFF features over 30 films from around the world. The festival opens with a special event at The Shed with an appearance by Marissa Bode (Wicked), who will receive the festival’s Spotlight Award in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to disability representation on screen. 

The opening night film is the NY premiere of the film The Trouble With Mr. Doodle. From the makers of Exit Through the Gift Shop, Waiting for Sugarman and Man on Wire, this documentary reveals the world of Sam Cox, better known as Mr. Doodle. His compulsive doodling turned him into a global sensation, with social media videos amassing millions of views and revealing the intricate complexity between creativity and chaos.

Making its world premiere at the fest is the documentary An Unquiet Mind. Shattering common myths about OCD through the interweaving stories of Vinay and Natasha, a reality far more complex than perfectionism or repetition is revealed. As the camera follows their daily lives at work and home, we witness their raw struggles with intrusive thoughts and difficulty relating their experiences to others.

Don’t Look Away follows Corey as he navigates daily life, career, and relationships while challenging common assumptions about facial differences. Through candid conversations and everyday moments, Corey shares his perspective on identity, connection, and the complexities of human interaction and his passion for film.

Special events during the festival include an Industry Summit that looks at topics of accessibility, inclusion and representation in all aspects of the film and performing arts industries, panel discussions with the filmmakers, a comedy night, and more.

To learn more, go to: https://reelabilities.org/newyork

ReelAbilities Film Festival
April 3 - 9, 2025

Various Venues in NYC

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