February 4 - 28, 2024

ReelAbilities HOUSTON FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL is a FREE citywide event that promotes inclusion and celebrates the lives, stories and talents of people with disabilities, making an impact that lasts far beyond the Festival.

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EVENT OVERVIEW

ReelPeople: UP Abilities

Daniel Barvin, Gabriel Cordell and Eduardo Garcia helped us confront reality and find positivity, action and hope at the UnitedWay of Greater Houston in partnership with the UP Experience.

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ReelMusic

Accomplished musicians with disabilities jammed with the ReelMusic house band while eleven-time Emmy award winner Ernie Manouse of PBS/NPR kept the high-energy standing-room-only crowd going at White Oak Music Hall.

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ReelArt

A highly successful showcase of the art of our featured artists, Grace Fisher, star of last year’s film “Amazing Grace” along with the incredible works of Celebration Company artists from both Celebration Company West and Celebration Company Central, with a total of over 700 attendees over the course of the exhibition at Sabine St. Studios.

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ReelFilm

Five award-winning short and feature films were screened by sell-out crowds at Regal Edwards Greenway.

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ReelWorkplace

Over 100 attendees participated in person at the ReelWorkplace event held at United Way of Greater Houston. The event was moderated by Cindy Ivanhoe, MD and the panel included Jeffrey Feinstein, Riverbend Energy Group and 2024 Co-Chair; Dr. Rex Marco, Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation; Faith Malton, Walter P. Moore and Associates; and Brady Samuelson, Institute for Systems Biology.

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ReelEducation

The message of inclusion was brought to more than one thousand students through films and engaging discussions with speakers. From elementary to post-graduate students, schools included:

• Archway Academy
• The Emery/Weiner School
• HCC Vast Academy
• Heights High School
• The HUB Houston
• Long Star College- CyFair
• Robert M. Beren Academy
• University of Houston Clearlake

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ReelNumbers

• 100% of attendees rated events and films as ‘good’ or ‘very good’
• 99% of Festival attendees reported they are likely to attend again in the future
• 47 Sponsors allowed the Festival to be FREE for 3000+ attendees to enjoy
• 55+ Collaborating Partners amplified the message of the Festival

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Media Impressions

• 353,743 IMPRESSIONS THROUGH DIGITAL ADS
• 500,000+ IMPRESSIONS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
• 131 PIECES OF COVERAGE

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ReelFeedback

Making an impact that lasts far beyond the Festival is a goal of ReelAbilities. Here, in their own words, is how ReelAbilities 2024 made an impact on some who attended:

"The films were thought-provoking and eye-opening."

"As a mom of a young child with a disability, this festival hits home in so many ways. It gave me comfort and hope for the future."

"I enjoy how ReelAbilities includes people with all disabilities in all different ages, stages, and walks of life."

"ReelAbilities is the best event in Houston!"

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Host City Organizers: 

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Lead Sponsors:

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Partner Agency of

A United Way partner