Community

The Resource Center to present movie Sept. 23 at The Reg

The challenges and triumphs of operating a movie theater that provides jobs for people with disabilities will be showcased when The Resource Center presents its annual film event Wednesday, Sept. 23.

The movie, 25 Prospect Street, will be screened at The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, 116 E. Third St.. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the movie will start at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

25 Prospect Street shares the story of the Prospector, a non-profit movie theater in Connecticut with a mission to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through meaningful employment. About 75% of the theater's workforce self-identifies as having a disability.

"We are excited about our partnership with ReelAbilities and the presentation of 25 Prospect Street. While reviewing films, this selection really stood out to me, as it represents so much of what we do at The Resource Center," said The Resource Center's Kevin Anderson. "I think the film will resonate with the audience that life is complicated sometimes, and with perseverance we all can overcome challenges whether you have a disability or do not."

The Resource Center is bringing the documentary to Jamestown in partnership with ReelAbilities, a non-profit exhibitor of disability-focused cinema. As part of the evening, attendees are invited to stay after the movie ends for an open discussion about the film.

"We can't wait for everyone to watch this incredible film," added TRC's Beth Jermain.

Jermain said audience members will enjoy watching the film's characters as they progress.

This marks the 10th time The Resource Center has brought films about people with disabilities to The Reg. The previous film festivals featured a series of short movies about the experiences of people with disabilities. This year's offering is a single, feature-length film that runs 100 minutes.

Admission to the movie is free thanks to a grant from Filling the Gap, Inc., which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Chautauqua County. Money for the grant came from The Resource Center Laurel Run Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. The movie also is made possible thanks to support from corporate sponsors Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Kinetic and Fenton.

The Resource Center also will be conducting a membership drive before the film begins. People who become TRC members at the event, as well as attendees who already are members, will be entered into a prize drawing.

For more information about the film, phone 716-483-2344 or visit resourcecenter.org/reelabilities, where visitors can view the movie's trailer to get a feel for the film.

"Spending time with Val, Kris, Hope, Rachel, Markie, and Daniel, and getting to know them through their experiences, is such a gift. A great team of people making great things happen, impacting so many people," Jermain said.