ReelAbilities Shorts Recommended by Marvels of Media

Marvels of Media recommends this exciting program of six short films presented in collaboration with ReelAbilities! From fantastical animations to intimate documentaries, these entertaining stories show the lives of knights, artists, rock stars, and caterpillars. 

Grace Fisher, Steven Fraser and Nick Fergus (Nick Lightning) will be in attendance. A discussion and a performance by Nick Lightning will follow the screening.

 

A Critter Fable (Dir. Grace Fisher. 2021, 8 mins.) A caterpillar who cannot become a butterfly discovers he can contribute to the world in his own special ways. 

Louis’ Shoes (Dir. Théo Jamin, Kayu Leung, Marion Philippe, Jean-Géraud Blanc. 2020, 5 mins.) Louis, an autistic boy, introduces himself at his new school in this creative tale.

Lockdown Tale (Dir. Cameron Carr, Marie Trudolubova. 2021, 6 mins.) A documentary about the making of Wawel Dragon, which is also showing in this selection of shorts (see below). When the pandemic forces the studios at his school to shut down, student Cameron Carr is inspired to create his own animation studio in his bedroom. 

Nick Lightning (Dir. Pat Taggart. 2021, 27 mins.) Performing in his rock star persona “Nick Lightning,” Nick Fergus shares how he lives a happy, genuine life in his own, unique way. 

Prosopagnosia (Dir. Steven Fraser. 2021, 10 mins.) Exploring what it means to live with face-blindness and autism, Steven Fraser’s animation uses sketchbooks, photographs, and diaries to talk about memory and communication. 

Wawel Dragon (Dir. Cameron Carr. 2021, 6 mins.) Based on a classic Polish folktale, this animated tale features a dragon, a knight, and the unexpected bravery of a simple shoemaker. 

Being a Dog (Dir. Felix Swahn. 2021, 8 mins.) Felix Swahn’s fantasy animation takes us into the perspective of Tim, a man who transforms into a dog depending on his feelings toward his friend Ginger. Beginning with moments of sadness and insecurity, the mostly black-and-white film is richly drawn and ends with Tim’s acceptance of being a dog.

The Marvels of Media Awards at Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) is the very first media awards ceremony, film festival, and exhibit to celebrate media-makers on the autism spectrum. In March 2022, MoMI will present an awards ceremony and free public film festival, featuring screenings presented in collaboration with ReelAbilities. An accompanying media exhibit will share the artistry of Marvels nominees, reflecting the diversity of media-making through the lens of autism.

ReelAbilities Film Festival is the largest festival in the U.S. dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with disabilities.

Free admission with RSVP. Click here to reserve a seat.

 

Accessibility Information:

Location: Museum of the Moving Image is located at 36-01 35th Avenue in Astoria, Queens, NY 11106, and the film screening will happen in the Bartos Screening Room, which is on the first floor, towards the left side of the large staircase.) 

Transportation by subway: Closest subway stations are the R/M at Steinway Street and N/W at 36 Ave. Please check with the MTA for any service changes, especially on weekends. For other ways of transportation, please see this page. 

Wheelchair Access: The Museum is fully accessible by wheelchair. In the Bartos Screening Room, there is space for wheelchairs at the back of the theater.

Assistive Listening with Amplified Sound: Please inform us if you need an assistive listening device with amplified sound. When you arrive at the Museum, to receive an assistive listening device, you can ask for this device at the Admissions Desk.

Captions and CART: The film screening will have open captions, and CART will be provided.

If you have any questions, please contact Tiffany Joy Butler by emailing [email protected] or calling 718-777-6800.