Presented by the Alexander Jewish Family Service Institute for Inclusion in collaboration with the Houston Office for People with Disabilities, the ReelAbilities Houston Film & Arts Festival is set for Jan. 18 – Feb. 26, 2026. Leading the 2026 Festival are Chairs Jamie Wolf, Sandi Helfman Wolf and Rori Feldman.  

“The ReelAbilities Film & Arts Festival celebrates creativity, inclusion and the power of storytelling to unite us. We’re grateful to our partners, artists, supporters and the entire community for helping bring these unforgettable stories to life and spark meaningful change across Houston,” said Carl E. Josehart, CEO of the Joan and Stanford Alexander Jewish Family Service.

ReelAbilities Houston is committed to promoting disability awareness and creating systemic change within Houston’s families, workplaces, institutions and communities. Through a variety of art forms, the Festival shares a powerful message of inclusion with thousands of people each year. The 2026 Festival will feature award-winning films, the ReelPeople speakers event, ReelCommunity programs, ReelWorkplace initiatives, the ReelMusic concert, and ReelArt, which highlights artwork by Celebration Company artists. All film, art, and music events are free and open to the public.

Schedule for the 2026 ReelAbilities Houston Film & Arts Festival:

  • Sunday, Jan. 18: ReelArt Opening Reception

  • Sunday, Jan. 25: ReelCommunity 

  • Thursday, Jan. 29: ReelArt Special Exhibition Opening

  • Sunday, Feb. 1: ReelArt For All

  • Tuesday, Feb. 3: ReelFilm Opening Night  

  • Wednesday, Feb. 4: ReelWorkplace ($30 per person) 

  • Tuesday, Feb. 10: ReelFilm Night 2

  • Wednesday, Feb. 11: ReelPeople ($30 per person) 

  • Tuesday, Feb. 17: ReelFilm Mental Health Night  

  • Tuesday, Feb. 24: ReelFilm Closing Night

  • Thursday, Feb. 26: ReelMusic

The keynote speakers for ReelPeople 2026 include Olympic gold medalist and former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott, and Tony Award–winning actress, author and advocate Ali Stroker. Abbott, who was born without a right hand, defied expectations from an early age to become one of the most accomplished athletes in history. He played 10 seasons in Major League Baseball, including a memorable mid-1990s turn with the New York Yankees, highlighted by his historic 1993 no-hitter. Since retiring, he has dedicated his life to advocating for the limb difference community, proving that determination can overcome any obstacle.

Stroker made history as the first actor who uses a wheelchair to perform on Broadway.  Her electrifying performance in “Oklahoma!” earned her a Tony Award and international acclaim. Stroker has also starred in celebrated productions such as “Spring Awakening” and appeared in major television series, including “Ozark” and “Only Murders in the Building.” Beyond her work as a performer, Stroker is a dedicated author and advocate, widely recognized for her empowering message: “Turning Your Limitations Into Your Opportunities.”

ReelAbilities Houston is made possible by founding partner TIRR Memorial Hermann, lead sponsors the Joan and Stanford Alexander Family, and through the support of foundations, corporations, individual donors and in-kind sponsors.

Registration for events is now open. For more information about the Festival, please visit www.ReelAbilitiesHouston.org.