WINDHAM, N.Y. – “We Are Athletes”, the Adaptive Sports Foundation’s (ASF) documentary short film, has been accepted into the ReelAbilities Film Festival in New York (April 3-9, 2025). ReelAbilities Film Festival is the fourth film festival to officially select “We Are Athletes” as part of its festival lineup, joining the Woodstock Film Festival, the Big Apple Film Festival and the Santa Fe Film Festival.
ABOUT THE FILM
In a society where neurotypical athletes are the norm, the Adaptive Sports Foundation in Windham, NY, challenges this perception. This inspiring documentary follows Farryl, a 10-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, and Matt, a 33-year-old wounded war veteran. As an ASF athlete, Farryl strives to conquer the ski slopes independently, while Matt seeks a renewed sense of purpose for his life, a reason to keep moving despite the chronic pain he experiences daily. Their journeys are filled with trepidation and determination as they aspire to achieve what sometimes seems impossible despite their best efforts and the tremendous support of the adaptive sports community. Witness the ups and downs, setbacks and triumphs of two athletes determined to defy the odds and accomplish their dreams on and off the snow. Angel Fonseca’s “We Are Athletes” showcases the power of adaptive sports to transform lives and redefine what it means to be an athlete today.
“We Are Athletes” was co-produced by HUDSY, a Hudson Valley Film nonprofit, which works with established and emerging filmmakers to tell vital stories from the Hudson Valley.
REELABILITIES FILM FESTIVAL
“We Are Athletes” will be shown at the 17th ReelAbilities Film Festival on Saturday, April 5 at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan (MMJCCM) theater in Manhattan’s Upper West Side at 1 p.m. It will be shown again on Tuesday, April 8, at the Gold Coast Arts Center in Great Neck, NY, at 11 a.m.
Both showings will feature “We Are Athletes” with other short films. On the showing on April 5 in Manhattan, the ReelAbilities Film Festival will screen the ASF’s short documentary along with “Dreamcaster” and “The 17%”. On April 8, the film will screen with “Dreamcaster,” “A Stupid Man”
Tickets to both the MMJCCM and the Gold Coast Arts Center showings are free. Patrons must RSVP to both shows by clicking here or by visiting www.reelabilities.org.
Founded in 2007 at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 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 challenges stereotypes, celebrates authen
What began as a single festival has evolved into a dynamic movement, spanning multiple initiatives, including its flagship film festival in New York, affiliate festivals across North America, Industry Summit, Reel Education, ReelAbilities at the Workplace and ReelAbilities Stream – an accessible streaming platform for disability film. In 2024, ReelAbilities took a significant step forward by becoming an independent nonprofit, expanding its reach and impact even further.
FUNDING FOR THE FILM
“We Are Athletes” was funded by grants from The KFC Foundation and HUDSY.