TCI Film School
is a program of
The Children's Institute
Speaker Bios:
Vincent Lissandrello, a TCI student, Vincent has overcome many of the challenges he faced as a child with a spectrum related disability. He is currently enrolled at Bergen Community College as a part time student in the Broadcasting department and works part time at TCI Film School Productions as an editor and studio assistant.
Tim Butler founder and president of Greenvision, his experience with employment of individuals with developmental disabilities makes him highly qualified to discuss the themes and issues illustrated in the documentary film A Whole Lott More. Tim’s mission is to “dismantle the stigmas of developmentally disabled” and to create meaningful work for those individuals. A Greenvision employee will accompany Tim.
Our speakers will be avalable after the screenings for a Q & A session.
ReelAbilities Film Festival
Thursday November 20, 2014
ReelAbilities: NJ Disabilities Film Festival is the largest festival in the country dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities. Initiated at the JCC in Manhattan, in 2007, the festival presents award winning films by and about people with disabilities in multiple locations throughout each hosting city. Post-screening discussions and other engaging programs bring together the community to explore, discuss, embrace, and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience.
Feature Film
A Whole Lott More
By Victor Huhler
Duration: 1 hour 23 minutes
More than 1200 workers with developmental disabilities work at Lott Industries, a car manufacturing company in Toledo, Ohio. But, as the auto industry declines in neighboring Detroit, Lott has been threatened with closure – and has only 12 months to reinvent and, hopefully, save itself. A WHOLE LOTT MORE tracks this critical year for Lott from the perspectives of three unique and unforgettable people - Wanda, TJ and Kevin. In its portrayal of Lott’s potential demise, the film explores the narrow range of employment available to people with developmental disabilities and details the incredible contribution they can make in the working world when provided with the right support.
View the trailer at http://youtu.be/TrbxEZHkLCw?list=PLj6ySvw8p04F6IGJg0RafVYtypeHWf78z
Our event schedule will include the following films and featured discussion guest speakers:
Gone
By TCI Film School Student Vincent Lissandrello
Duration: 2 minutes
This very short film is a visual reminder of the isolation one can feel when depressed. The message encourages young people to stay connected with others because the world will continue but will be lonelier without them if they don’t.
A Life With Aspergers
By Jaime Ekkens
Duration: 4 Minutes
A beautifully animated documentary that explores the challenges of growing up and living with Asperger’s Syndrome.