ReelAbilities Shorts

Cody, a high school student with Down syndrome and an aspiring comic book artist, escapes from his school bully into his imaginary world of superheroes and villains, until the superhero of his comic helps Cody find his own courage.

The Hero - trailer from JCC Film on Vimeo.

Six deaf performers share struggles and dreams of a new Deaf generation. These poetic self-portraits in sign language show empowerment and confidence, and the vulnerabilities that come with being different.

Imaginings - trailer from JCC Film on Vimeo.

In 1983, Julie Ridge became the first person to swim two consecutive laps around Manhattan Island, earning her a guest appearance on The David Letterman Show. Now, living in Manhattan and working as a clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience, she dives into her memories of struggling with bipolar disorder, marathon swimming, and how the water has aided her journey.

Breathe - trailer from JCC Film on Vimeo.

The fantastical journey of Charlie Miles, a girl with a taste for adventure. As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), she uses ASL while communicating with her deaf mother and sometimes with her mischievous dog. On a search to find her mother’s missing bracelet, Charlie must face her fears while recovering the sentimental family treasure.

Charlie and the Hunt - trailer from JCC Film on Vimeo.

Prosopagnosia uses expressive animation to investigate intimacy, communication and memory. Prosopagnosia means face-blindness and to understand this neurodiverse behaviour, the contents of a memory box are intricately explored. Sketchbooks, photographs and diaries unravel to tell a unique and personal story.

In this profoundly personal mixed media experience inside the ADHD mind, the filmmaker takes us on a journey as she discovers her ADHD diagnosis during the height of the pandemic. When she turns the camera on herself and her family to process what this diagnosis means, she also discovers why so many women with ADHD are undiagnosed, and the dire consequences it has on their lives.

Neurodivergent - trailer from JCC Film on Vimeo.