NEWS

The 13th annual ReelAbilities Pittsburgh film festival, celebrating new independent cinema by and about people with disabilities, returns this fall with in-person screenings September 4-6 at Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse. Select films will also be available to stream virtually September 5-11 in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Kicking off Film Pittsburgh’s film festival season, the ReelAbilities in-person program will showcase two feature-length films and a block of short films, with additional features and shorts available online. The full ReelAbilities film lineup and schedule will be announced Thursday, August 14, when tickets go on sale at FilmPittsburgh.org.

This festival marks the start of a new chapter for Film Pittsburgh as it welcomes Shanna Carrick as Executive Director. Shanna steps into the role with a deep appreciation for the organization’s 25-year legacy of presenting exceptional independent films by artists from around the world, and a commitment to expanding its reach and community impact.

“After a thorough and inclusive search, the board is thrilled to welcome Shanna Carrick as Film Pittsburgh’s new Executive Director,” says Board Chair Daryl Hudson. “Shanna has a proven track record of improving operations, increasing revenue through data-driven decisions in both corporate and non-profit sectors, and breaking down silos with her people-centered leadership. The inclusion of staff voices in the search was instrumental in selecting a leader whose strengths align with both the strategic vision of the board and the realities and values that shape the organization day-to-day. We are confident that under Shanna's leadership, Film Pittsburgh will continue to thrive and create meaningful experiences for artists, audiences, and our community.”

"As a staff member involved in the executive search, I was excited by Shanna’s collaborative spirit and bold yet grounded vision,” says Paul Sloop, Film Pittsburgh’s Director of Programming. “She has already made thoughtful improvements to our internal systems and communication flow, which has helped the team work more efficiently and feel more connected. We are excited to have Shanna lead us into our next chapter."

Shanna brings a wealth of experience in arts management, event production, ticketing, business operations, and technology, along with a passion for advancing Film Pittsburgh’s mission to bring independent film to Pittsburgh from around the world, deepening audiences’ understanding of various cultures, expanding acceptance, and recognizing our common humanity.

“I’m honored to carry forward this organization’s legacy of championing independent voices and inclusive storytelling,” says Shanna. “As a neurodivergent nonprofit leader and arts manager, stepping into the role of Executive Director at Film Pittsburgh is both a personal and professional milestone. ReelAbilities is a celebration of all people in the disability community and the power of film to foster empathy and understanding. I’m excited for what’s ahead and proud to begin this new chapter by spotlighting stories that reflect the full spectrum of our shared human experience.”

In the lead-up to ReelAbilities, Film Pittsburgh and the CitiParks Office of Special Events will co-present a free outdoor screening of Champions, a feel-good sports dramedy with an inclusive cast, on July 27 at Schenley Plaza at sunset. The film will be presented with open captions in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.

Following ReelAbilities, the 44th annual Three Rivers Film Festival with Pittsburgh Shorts will take place this November 12–23.

About ReelAbilities

Recently honored by its selection in the inaugural Forbes Accessibility 100, ReelAbilities has grown from a single New York-based disability film festival into a leading independent nonprofit and the premiere global exhibitor of disability-focused cinema. Through groundbreaking award-winning films and innovative programming, ReelAbilities challenge stereotypes, celebrate authentic disability representation in movies, and expand opportunities for disabled creators worldwide.

ReelAbilities has been presented locally by Film Pittsburgh since 2013. For more information, visit FilmPittsburgh.org/ReelAbilities.

Photo from Color Book dir. David Fortune.