Presented by the Iowa Disability Film Festival

“Rich in evidence of hope and kindness, gratitude and the resilience of the human spirit.”—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter

Presented with open captions and ASL interpreters for introduction and post-screening discussion.

Descriptive audio available

The story of Christopher Reeve is an astonishing rise from unknown actor to iconic movie star, and his definitive portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman set the benchmark for the superhero cinematic universes that dominate cinema today. Reeve portrayed the Man of Steel in four Superman films and played dozens of other roles that displayed his talent and range as an actor, before being injured in a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down. After becoming a quadriplegic, he became a charismatic leader and activist in the quest to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, as well as a passionate advocate for disability rights and care—all while continuing his career in cinema in front of and behind the camera and dedicating himself to his beloved family.

This film is a moving and vivid cinematic telling of Reeve’s remarkable story with never-before-seen intimate home movies and an extraordinary trove of personal archive material, as well as the first extended interviews ever filmed with Reeve’s three children about their father, and interviews with the A-list Hollywood actors who were Reeve’s colleagues and friends.

STORYTELLERS: JAKE THIBEAULT

(2024, USA, 12 min) Dir. Orion Owens

After a hockey collision at 18, Jake Thibeault was left with a spinal cord injury (SCI) that would change everything. Three years later, we follow the Babson College sophomore through a day to see what it’s like to navigate life with a disability as a young adult, while maintaining an unwavering drive to overcome barriers. With intimate access to Jake’s world and through his eyes, the film showcases themes of determination, perseverance, SCI awareness, injury prevention and vulnerability.

All films in the Iowa Disability Film Festival will screen simultaneously in The Chauncey Theater 1 and Theater 3. Screenings in Theater 3 will include additional sensory sensitive accommodations, including low light and reduced volume, and includes modular seating to accommodate a flexible number of wheelchairs. Attendees are asked to indicate their preference of space, however final seating locations may be adjusted to maximize accommodations for all.