Inclusive festival announces chairs and ReelPeople speakers
The ReelAbilities Houston Film & Arts Festival, presented by the Alexander Jewish Family Service Institute for Inclusion – in collaboration with the Houston Office for People with Disabilities – is set for Sunday, Jan. 18, through Thursday, Feb. 26. 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,” said Carl E. Josehart, CEO of the Joan and Stanford Alexander JFS. “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.”
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 features 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.
Keynote speakers for ReelPeople 2026 include Jim Abbott, Olympic gold medalist and former Major League Baseball pitcher, and Ali Stroker, Tony Award-winning actress, author and advocate.
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 MLB, 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 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 and more information about the Festival may be found at ReelAbilitiesHouston.org.
2026 ReelAbilities Houston Film & Arts Festival schedule
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/person)
Tuesday, Feb. 10
ReelFilm Night No. 2
Wednesday, Feb. 11
ReelPeople ($30/person)
Tuesday, Feb. 17
ReelFilm Mental Health Night
Tuesday, Feb. 24
ReelFilm Closing Night
Thursday, Feb. 26
ReelMusic