The Harkin Institute screens films showcasing disabilities

DES MOINES, Iowa- Three films made by and about people with disabilities are being shown for free this weekend at the Harkin Institute.

ReelAbilities is a film festival based in New York that showcases films made by and about people with disabilities. They have a program called A Taste of ReelAbilities, which brings their festival on the road so that communities across the country can showcase their films.

The Des Moines Arts Center and the Harkin Institute partnered with each other to bring the experience to Des Moines this weekend. Two films were already showcased on Friday and Saturday, and one more film will be showcased Sunday afternoon.

One film focused on autism, another focused on a cross-disability movement in Bolivia, and the screening on Sunday will be about the experience of deaf refugees during the resettlement process.

All films will provide open captions and have audio description capabilities. They’re also providing popcorn which was produced by a disability-owned company. After the films are screened, a panel discussion takes place.

“There’s something really exciting about seeing all people from different walks of life having that type of experience and that conversation,” said Daniel Vansant with the Harkin Institute.

Sunday’s documentary, Name Me Lawand, will be shown at 1:30 p.m. at the Harkin Institute in the Drake neighborhood of Des Moines.

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