CLEVELAND, Ohio — ReelAbilities Film Festival is set to take place virtually this year for its Cleveland and Akron audiences, as a result of ongoing coronavirus pandemic restrictions on large gatherings.

The 2019 fest will feature screenings in both Cleveland and Akron, from August through October, accompanied by local and national guest speakers who will share their first-hand experiences and knowledge with filmgoers.

“Cleveland has community spirit, amazing supportive organizations and is a diversity hub,” said Sorboro in a statement. “What is always left out when talking diversity, is disability. ReelAbilities allows us to bring disability into the conversation with engaging programs, awareness, and education on issues often not discussed, and allows people to have a voice.”

Sorboro is behind a new film festival in Cleveland focused on presenting films by and about people with disabilities in ways that are accessible for audiences. The Reel Abilities Film Festival, a concept that began about 10 years ago in New York, will present a handful of films in the greater Cleveland area starting this week.