The 8th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival kicks off today in New York City at the JCC Manhattan. Oscar-nominated actor Mark Ruffalo will be in attendance to introduce the festival and opening night film MARGARITA, WITH A STRAW.

The ReelAbilities Film Festival is the nation’s only film festival dedicated entirely to presenting award-winning films by and about people with disabilities. Too many mainstream films overlook the disabled community entirely or cast able-bodied actors to play them, or, worst of all, show them as one-dimensional. These films are not just inclusive; they are wise and insightful in exploring the humanity and complexity of people with disabilities. They are not just there to inspire or be inspired; they are there like any other movie character — to fall in love, to have sex, to be right, to be wrong, to be angry, to be scared, to be funny. The subjects of documentaries in the film include disabled veterans, gifted children with learning disabilities, a one-legged mountain climber, and a boy with autism who has an unusual ability to identify the tones of wind chimes.