Lineup
Backwards
This incredibly powerful film is based on one woman’s fight for the education her neurodivergent son deserves. Maryśka, a young, single mother, wants nothing more than to go back to school herself. But when her son is to be placed in a special needs school despite his obvious intellect, she must change course.
This screening will be followed by a special guest Q&A with Woody and Mary Brown.
Thursday, September 7 | 7pm
Shorts Block 1
This 98-minute shorts program features 8 short films and is followed by a Q&A with the filmmaking team from Bumps in the Road.
Friday, September 8 | 7:30pm
Abled: The Blake Leeper Story
Abled focuses on competitive runner Blaker Leeper’s aspirations to compete in the Olympics and the challenges he faces including the bias against disabled athletes and the suspect science used to keep them from pursuing their dreams.
This screening will be followed by a Q&A with Blake Leeper.
The Meritzer Award will also be presented on Opening Night.
Saturday, September 9 | 7:30pm
Larry
Adam is a poor 21-year-old shepherd with a severe stutter whose only career option seems to be working on his father’s farm. But he soon discovers that his love for hip hop music may help manage his speech impediment and potentially alter his fate.
Virtual | Available September 7-13
Shorts Block 2
This 107-minute short film program features 6 short films.
Virtual | Available September 7-13
OKAY! (The ASD Band Film)
The ASD Band, made up of four talented Toronto-based musicians, is gearing up for their first public gig. All four bandmates are on the autism spectrum and share their fears and dreams in this endearing film about making your way in the world and following your passion.
Virtual | Available September 7-13 | Watch for FREE on Sunday, September 10th for RAD Days!
No Ordinary Campaign
Brian and Sandra Wallach, who only a few years before had been working in the White House, expected to find a healthcare system ready to help them navigate their new reality of Brian's ALS diagnosis. Instead, they found it was broken and failing. Bringing together old friends and new allies, they fight to fix a system that desperately needed repair.
Virtual | Available September 7-13