September 2, 2008 - Realabilities: The First Annual NY Disabilities Film Festival debuts this fall at multiple locations throughout the New York metropolitan area. From September 21-23, Realabilities will showcase feature, documentary, and short films by and about the lives of people with disabilities.

Premiering the week before National Disability Awareness Month, Realabilities aims to promote awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities. The festival will present award-winning films at fourteen locations throughout the New York metropolitan area. Discussions with the creative teams and leading experts will follow many of the screenings. Among the featured films are Ben X, Snow Cake, and Every Time I Look at You.

On Tuesday, September 23, following a screening of Special People and the short Stubborn & Spite, a panel discussion will take place entitled "Film & Disabilities." The discussion will focus on both the way people with disabilities are portrayed in film and representation and opportunities in the film industry for filmmakers with disabilities. Commissioner Katherine Oliver is among the panelists. The screening and discussion will take place at the JCC in Manhattan at 6pm.

For venue and schedule information, visit www.realabilities.org.