< Back

ReelAbilities International Announces Dates for 2025 Flagship Festival

Ushers in a Bold New Era, Additions To Advisory Board and Leadership Team

New York, NY – ReelAbilities International, a global pioneer in advancing disability inclusion and representation through film, proudly unveils its 2025–2027 Strategic Plan alongside key developments that signal an exciting new chapter for the organization. These milestones include the establishment of a prestigious Advisory Board, the addition of dynamic new leadership, and a reminder to “Save the Date” for the 17th edition of the flagship ReelAbilities Film Festival in New York City, to open on April 3rd at Hudson Yards The Shed, and run through April 9, at accessible venues throughout NYC.

This announcement marks ReelAbilities’ transition to an independent nonprofit, a pivotal step after 17 years of growth and impact. The three-year strategy reflects its renewed commitment to empowering disabled creators and transforming the entertainment industry.

“At ReelAbilities, we continue to champion inclusion and representation in film as powerful tools for artistic development and necessary societal change,” said Isaac Zablocki, Founder and CEO. “Our expanded team and strategic plan illustrate the next phase of our ongoing mission to reframe disability as an essential part of human diversity on-screen, behind the scenes, and in the world.”

Welcoming Esteemed Advisors and New Leadership

To support this next phase, ReelAbilities has welcomed new members to our already exceptional Advisory Board—renowned leaders in media, arts, and advocacy, including:

  • Sheila Nevins – Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer
  • Loreen Arbus – Disability rights advocate and philanthropist
  • Victor Calise – Disability inclusion advocate and former NYC Commissioner
  • Cara Elizabeth Yar Khan – Disability advocate and motivational speaker
  • Pavar Snipe – Screenwriter and disability advocate
  • Tiffany Yu – Founder of Diversability
  • Steve Way – Actor, comedian, and disability rights activist
  • Keely Cat-Wells – Entrepreneur and disability advocate

You can find the complete list of ReelAbilities Advisors here. 

– CONT’D–

ReelAbilities is also proud to announce Daniella Decker, Development Lead, and Lawrence Carter-Long, Director of Engagement, as the newest members of its leadership team. Decker and Carter-Long bring invaluable expertise in program development and disability representation, bolstering the organization’s ability to envision and execute its ambitious goals.

Highlights of ReelAbilities’ 3-year Strategic Plan

  • Empowering Disabled Creators: Directly support at least 50 disabled filmmakers through mentorship. Launch mentorship programs, funding opportunities, and fiscal sponsorship programs to support disabled filmmakers in creating and distributing new innovative, and “outside the box” stories.
  • Expand Audiences: Broaden the reach of ReelAbilities Stream by launching on OTT platforms, introducing new features to enhance engagement and user experience, and increasing the number of films available year-round by 30%. Leverage the platform to build greater brand awareness and connect with wider audiences.
  • Improve Accessibility: Enhance accessibility on ReelAbilities Stream by producing captions and audio descriptions for at least 40 new films by 2026, ensuring a more inclusive experience for all users.
  • Industry Partnerships: Strengthened collaborations with leading industry partners organizations to foster and facilitate greater disability inclusion and representation.
  • Year-Round Engagement: Deepening community outreach and launching innovative programs, such as Reel Education and the Industry Summit, to foster increased dialogue and engagement year round. 

Save the Date: 17th ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York

Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated 17th edition of the ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York, taking place April 3–9, 2025. The festival will feature world-class films by and about people with disabilities, riveting panel discussions, workshops, and other events—to spark meaningful conversations, promote best practices, and advance inclusion in the film world and beyond.

ReelAbilities invites filmmakers, advocates, industry leaders, and allies  to join us in this exciting new chapter to help bridge the gap between traditionally under-resourced talent and the broader entertainment industry, shaping a more representative future where disability is valued, celebrated, and employed as an integral asset in appreciating human diversity.

—

For more information about ReelAbilities International, the Advisory Board, or the upcoming festival, please visit ReelAbilities.org or contact Director of Engagement, Lawrence Carter-Long, directly at [email protected]