The ReelAbilities Film Festival is coming to Boston January 30-February 6, with three screenings in Newton! In fact, ReelAbilities Boston, and our host festival, the Boston Jewish Film Festival have our offices in Newton as well, as do some of our community partners (including Understanding Our Differences and Waypoint Adventure) and the founding partner of ReelAbilities Boston, the Ruderman Family Foundation.

ReelAbilities is the nation’s largest disabilities film festival: it promotes awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with disabilities. Yet the films might not be what you’d expect: a feature film at the West Newton Cinema on February 3, Come As You Are, is based on a true story of three young men with disabilities who go on a road trip from Belgium to Spain on a quest to lose their virginity. More family-friendly fare is offered on Closing Night, February 6, at West Newton Cinema, with our Shorts Program: Reel Encounters. We’re screening seven short films that will engage, challenge, and amuse audiences. Our host partner for the evening is Understanding Our Differences, who posted the following on their website:

“Join Understanding Our Differences for the closing night of Reelabilities: the 3rd Annual Boston Disabilities Film Festival. On Thurs. Feb. 6th we are co-hosting with the Festival a program of short films at West Newton Cinema at 7 pm. The film topics parallel many of the UOD units. Also screening is a new short film, and the director and actor (with an intellectual disability) will attend the reception after the film screenings. UOD will have information and activity tables at the reception as well. Save the date and plan to join us! Children ages 13 and above are welcome to attend.”

Tickets for Come As You Are and the Shorts Program: Reel Encounters are available online or at the West Newton Cinema box office.

Also, on February 5 at the Leventhal Sidman Jewish Community Center, the film Anita will be screening. It is free of charge; pre-registration is requested at bostonjcc.org/reelabilities

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