ReelEducation & classroom kits
The ReelAbilities Film Festival annually showcases Canadian and international full-length, short and documentary films about Deaf and disability cultures – often featuring filmmakers and actors with disabilities.
For teachers and their student audiences, organizers have curated a highly-engaging library of films that demonstrate stories of inclusion, empathy, universal design and mental health. Teachers register to access their choices and watch online. The service is free. From Kindergarten to Grade 12, kids will be moved by authentic stories that animate accessibility issues.
Browse the film titles below.
ReelEducation Film Library
KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 3
Macropolis (7 mins)
Two disabled squeaky toys escape from the factory and find themselves lost and alone in urban world full of over-sized humans, moving speedily around them. It’s new, strange and a little daunting. But they explore, play and re-interpret everyday objects through their unique perspective. Shot using a unique mix of stop-motion animation and time-lapse photography on the streets of Belfast, MACROPOLIS is a modern-day fable with a striking visual appearance.
Watch Macropolis.
Anything You Can Do (7 mins)
Two boys face off. But when the stakes are at their highest, will victory be sweet? An Australian production.
GRADES 4 –6
Spectrum: A story of the Mind (24 mins)
An animated and live action documentary that explores the inner sensory experiences of autism.
Hear This! (15 mins)
When the soccer club won’t allow his father to coach because he is Deaf, Tristan decides to prove them wrong.
GRADES 6 – 8
Adam’s Bar Mitzvah (14 mins)
This short doc follows Adam as he prepares for his Bar Mitzvah, and illuminates Judaism, identity, disability and community.
Spectrum: A story of the Mind (24 mins)
An animated and live action documentary that explores the inner sensory experiences of autism.
GRADES 9 – 12
Anna (10 mins)
This film follows Anna, a woman whose routine is unexpectedly interrupted when someone takes her seat on the bus.
Adam’s Bar Mitzvah (14 mins)
This short doc follows Adam as he prepares for his Bar Mitzvah, and illuminates Judaism, identity, disability and community.
The Interviewer (13 mins)
During an interview at a prestigious law firm, Thomas realizes that his chance to make a difference in the world is closer and more unexpected than he could ever imagine.
Deaf Jam! (55 mins)
Aneta, an Israeli immigrant and a Deaf teen, meets Tahani, a hearing Palestinian slam poet and together they embark on a performance duet, creating a new form of “slam poetry” that speaks to both the hearing and Deaf communities.
Four Quarters of Silence (18 mins)
Located in Austin, the Texas School for the Deaf is the only school of 1,483 high school football teams that support the Deaf.
Spectrum: A story of the Mind (24 mins)
An animated and live action documentary that explores the inner sensory experiences of autism
My Life in the City (12 mins)
This film shares stories and ideas from adults with intellectual disabilities on urban spaces, development and a bold vision for the city of Toronto.
Contact info:
You’re sure to find a film that’s right for your students! Once you complete a short survey and registration, you’ll be redirected to the film access page.
The ReelAbilties Education resource
About this year’s festival:
ReelAbilities Film Festival: May 29 to June 6, 2019.
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
750 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON M5S 2J2.
For more information, call: (416) 924‑6211.
The ReelAbilities Film Festival
Macropolis ©Flickerpix Ltd. 2012 – 2019