Video Games’ True Impact Spotlighted in a Free Houston Film Fest

The 5th annual ReelAbilities Film and Arts Festival returns to Houston, celebrating the lives, stories, and talents of people with disabilities.

Besides prescient screenings, this year’s festival includes a series of TED-like talks hosted at Rice University Shepherd School of Music probing the impact video games have on the lives of those living with different levels of disabilities.

The award-winning cinematic festival will feature a one-hour screening of short films such as Bumblebees, a story about Vance who overcomes the obstacles of not being able to walk or speak; Perfect; and I don’t Care just to name a few.

There will be a speaker series and the opportunity to meet the Houston artists Harry Samelson, Melissa Shapiro, Neville Karpas, Evan Levine, Ari Klein, Kevyn M., Ian Spindler, Arthur Alexander, Gabrielle Howard, David Gummers, Ellen Reichenthal, Arielle Harter, and Grant Manier, an eco-artist with autism who utilizes recycled items to create fascinating collages.

A jazz and blues jam session is also being held at the Secret Group space where professional musicians will invite artists with disabilities to perform and collaborate with them.

The ReelWorkplace program will continue to extend the mission to local schools and businesses through interactive sessions.

What: ReelAbilities: Houston Film and Arts Festival

When: February 19 through 23 at Edwards Greenway

A Side of Art: Accompanying exhibition, February 14 through March 31, at the Center for Art and Photography at Celebration Company, at Jewish Family Service

Tariff: Free and open to public

For more information, contact: Samara Rosen srosen@jfshouston.org