From award-winning filmmaker Dan Habib comes Intelligent Lives, a catalyst to transform the label of intellectual disability from a life sentence of isolation into a life of possibility for some of the most systematically segregated people in America. Join us for a special benefit screening (suggested donation $10) on Saturday, March 16th at noon, followed by a panel discussion anchored by Richard Feldman and Janice Fialka, who are featured in the film; Renee Brenner, ECDC specialist from Independent Living, Inc & Co-Chair for the Mid-Hudson Special Education Task Force; Diann Keyser, Supervisor for Care Management at the Resource Center for Accessible Learning; and Rhinebeck mayor Gary Bassett. Proceeds will benefit Rhinebeck’s Autism Supportive Committee (#1thing).
Intelligent Lives stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities – Micah, Naieer, and Naomie – who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce. Academy Award-winning actor and narrator Chris Cooper contextualizes the lives of these central characters through the emotional personal story of his son Jesse, as the film unpacks the shameful and ongoing track record of intelligence testing in the U.S. INTELLIGENT LIVES challenges what it means to be intelligent, and points to a future in which people of all abilities can fully participate in higher education, meaningful employment, and intimate relationships.
(USA / 2018 / Directed by Dan Habib)
Unrated / 1 hr 10 mins.
ENGAGE: Learn, Build, Act
The ENGAGE series presents selected social justice documentary screenings at Upstate Films. Each film in the series touches upon an issue of our time. And each screening is followed by a panel discussion where attendees have the opportunity to learn more from people directly impacted by the issue. Audiences leave with a card listing steps for how to take action in their community.
ENGAGE screenings are supported by the Anonymous Fund of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, enabling the events to be presented for free. Donations are taken at the door (suggested donation $10) to benefit designated local organizations.
