ReelAbilities Shorts

Ten-year-old Austin Eletto brings his personal perspective to the stand-up comedy stage, using humor to bridge identity and build connection. Through his witty observations and sharp timing, Austin crafts material that resonates with audiences while challenging assumptions about autism. The documentary reveals how comedy can be a medium for authentic self-expression and community building.

At a vibrant beachside kiosk, two women discover new forms of expression through dance. Margarita, seeking personal reinvention, meets Liana, a Deaf tourist drawn to the rhythm of salsa. Together, they develop ways to share the music’s essence, creating a language of movement that transcends traditional communication. Their collaboration celebrates the diverse ways people experience and interpret dance.

An animated documentary exploring the life of Bill Shannon, a performance artist born with a degenerative hip condition who redefines movement through dance and skateboarding on crutches. The film captures Shannon’s innovative approach to physicality, turning perceived limitations into a powerful expansion of artistic expression.

Armed with dark humor and imagination, seventeen-year-old Rae battles medical bureaucracy to reclaim her independence. Between fantasy Timothée Chalamet scenarios and plotting fictional revenge on dismissive doctors, she fights for the mobility devices she needs to navigate her world. This dark comedy captures the absurdity of healthcare delivery while celebrating teenage rebellion and the power of gallows humor.

A look into the vibrant world of Troi Lee, known as DJ Chinaman, who pioneered the UK’s Deaf rave scene. Through his creation of ‘Deaf Rave,’ Lee has spent two decades creating spaces where music, vibration, and community intersect. Made by a predominantly Deaf crew, the film examines how Deaf communities experience and create electronic music, challenging common assumptions about sound and movement.

During a Passover Seder, college student Noa navigates family dynamics while managing her feeding tube. As cherished traditions humorously collide with medical necessities, she develops creative ways to join in the family celebration. At the intersection of comedy and calamity, Noa redefines what inclusion means at the dinner table, addressing both practical challenges and deeper questions about ritual and adaptation.