Reel Eyes is a showcase of films by and about people with disabilities that occurs in the spring. 2010 will be the seventh year this event will take place. The lineup typically includes films from popular culture as well as documentaries from the DSS Lending Library.
See flyers for event details at participating locations:
Wipe Out
Homer on March 9 - Anchorage on Marach 20 - Soldotna on April 6 - Fairbanks on April 8
Brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability for men under the age of 35. Narrated by Olympic gold snowboarder Ross Rebagliati, Wipe Out tells the story of three young men living with permanent brain damage as the result of head injuries they suffered pursuing extreme sports. 50 minutes
Murderball
Homer on March 10
Better known as Wheelchair Rugby, Murderball is a game created by quadriplegic athletes that is every bit as aggressive as the name would lead one to expect; played with bone-breaking intensity, a typical game of Wheelchair Rugby involves plenty of trash-talking, a few head-on collisions, and the occasional player being thrown from his modified wheelchair. Murderball offers an up-close look at the 2004 Wheelchair Rugby tournament, as well as the personal stories of the athletes who are passionate, driven, and determined to win -- as one of them says, "I'm not here for a hug, I'm here for a medal." 88 minutes
Multiple
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Homer on March 11- Anchorage on March 19 - Soldotna on April 6
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For six years, actor and director Alison Peebles has been keeping a secret: she has multiple sclerosis. MS is an unpredictable but progressive disease of the brain and nervous system which is affecting her speech, mobility, and eyesight. Alison finds that she can no longer hide her symptoms, and she’s afraid that the revelation may destroy her career — will directors accept an actor with a limp, will the producer’s insurance company continue to cover her? She also finds herself coping with the gradual erosion of some of the things that have made up her identity: she'll have to kiss goodbye to her sexy, high-heeled shoes. 29 Minutes
Philadelphia
Anchorage on March 19 - Soldotna on April 7
Andrew Beckett is a young up-and-coming lawyer who has just been fired by his prestigious law firm. His former colleagues claim he's just not good enough; Andrew says he's been fired because he has AIDS. Determined to defend his professional reputation; Andrew hires fierce personal-injury attorney Joe Miller to represent him as he sues his former firm for wrongful termination. 125 minutes
Meds
Anchorage on March 20 -Soldotna on April 8
Individuals who have been diagnosed with mental illness talk frankly about the challenges and benefits that come with prescribed medications. 29 Minutes
The Lucky Ones
Anchorage on March 20 - Soldotna on April 8 - Fairbanks on April 7
Three soldiers return from Iraq after suffering injuries and end up on a road trip as they try to deal with the challenges of coming home
Lars and The Real Girl
Fairbanks on April 6
Lars is a painfully introverted and lonely guy who lives with his brother and sister-in-law after the death of his father leaves him alone. The family is excited to hear that Lars has a female friend coming to visit, but are crestfallen and fear for his sanity when they realize that he bought a female sex doll that he fully believes is real.
Credit is available!
