A Taste of ReelAbilities

The Reel

Abilities Film Festival is the largest festival in the US dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with disabilities. Founded in New York City in 2007, the festival presents international and award-winning films by and about people with disabilities in multiple locations throughout each hosting city. The 2026 Des Moines festival, “A Taste of Reel

Abilities,” is a screening of recent short films during the Art Center’s November Social Saturday: Friendsgiving. All films will provide open captions and have audio description capabilities. Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All initiative. Free; no registration required. Screening Information: Film: A Morning with Aroha, 2021 Director: Nicholas Rini Run Time: 11 minutes Description: Aroha, an imaginative young girl with Down syndrome, sets out to share her creativity with her neighbors. Film: Key of Genius, 2026 Director: Daniel Persitz Run Time: 12 minutes Description: Based on the extraordinary true story of Derek Paravicini, a blind, autistic musical prodigy, KEY OF GENIUS follows the bond between Derek and his dedicated piano teacher. Through patience, intuition, and unwavering belief, Derek’s hidden potential is unlocked, revealing the transformative power of music and mentorship. This film celebrates talent, perseverance, and the ways people with disabilities can flourish when given opportunity and understanding. Audiences are invited into a journey of inspiration, emotional depth, and triumph, witnessing a remarkable story of human connection, creativity, and the extraordinary capabilities that lie within those societies often underestimated. *The following films are intended for adult audiences. Film: Boys, 2026 Director: Olive Bilic Run Time: 7 minutes Description: Overwhelmed by the chaos of class, neurodiverse teenager Jacob seeks refuge in an empty locker room, only to face an unexpected confrontation. Created in collaboration with Bus Stop Films participants in Melbourne, BOYS highlights the emotional and social challenges faced by neurodiverse youth. Through authentic performances and an intimate lens, the film portrays the tension, vulnerability, and resilience of its characters, exploring the fine line between isolation and connection. BOYS is both a poignant and engaging narrative, offering insight into neurodiverse experiences while emphasizing the universal desire for understanding, acceptance, and human connection. Film: Little Monsters, 2026 Director: Pablo Leridon Run Time: 14 minutes Description: A visually impaired teen navigates first love while sharing a transport van with a wheelchair-bound classmate. LITTLE MONSTERS blends humor and heart, showcasing adolescence, rivalry, and inclusive friendship. Film: Bad Survivor, 2026 Director: Alex Dvorak and Katie North Run Time: 11 minutes Description: After being “broken up with” by her oncologists, a sarcastic young cancer pati