This film is a free screening as part of the “Hamilton Accessibility Film Festival”.
In keeping with the Disability History Month theme, people with disabilities as portrayed through film over the years will be the highlight of the film festival. The AHA! wishes to provide the community an opportunity to watch both classic and contemporary films depicting either persons with disabilities or actors portraying characters who have a disability through a critical lens. There will be opportunity for discussion about the films and their content, as well as accessibility of film for all persons regardless of disability and how the community collectively can make cinematic experiences (on the big screen) enjoyable and accessible to everyone.
Best friends Eleanor (June Squibb) and Bessie (Eita Zohar) have lived together for many years, enjoying their retirement after their husbands passed away. When Bessie passes away, too, Eleanor moves to New York City to live with her daughter Lisa (Jessica Hecht) and grandson Max (Will Price). They have their own lives, though, leaving Eleanor without any companionship for most of the day. Going to a singing group at the local Jewish Community Center at Lisa’s suggestion, Eleanor gets waylaid, instead ending up at a Holocaust survivors’ support group. When the group pleads with her to join them and share, she shares Bessie’s story, claiming it as her own. When college journalism student Nina (Erin Kellyman) wants to write a paper on Eleanor after being moved by her story, Eleanor agrees to meet with her, and the two become friends. But how long will Eleanor be able to keep up her lie before Nina finds out?
This screening will be shown with open captions for everyone.
What are open captions?
Open captions are built into the video itself, they are always visible and can’t be turned off. They show dialogue and important sounds directly on the screen, unlike closed captions, which can be turned on or off and are added separately.
Sensory Friendly Relaxed Screening
• Theatre lights dimmed, not dark
• Lower sound level
• No advertisements or trailers
• Quiet room available
Hamilton Accessibility Film Festival is funding the ticket price with the support from McMaster University.
Tickets: FREE