Center for Disability Rights Hosts Screening of Local Documentary Focusing on History and Progression of Disabled Individuals in New York State.

  • A
  • A
  • A

CDRNYS

For immediate release:
March 22, 2011

Contact:
Jenny Phillips
Center for Disability Rights, Inc.
(585) 546-7510 (V/TTY)
(585) 271-8558 (F)
jphillips@cdrnys.org
www.cdrnys.org

Center for Disability Rights Hosts Screening of Local Documentary Focusing on History and Progression of Disabled Individuals in New York State.

Rochester, NY—The Center for Disability Rights (CDR) and Regional Center for Independent Living will be hosting a screening of the Documentary We Can Shine—From Institutions to Independence, by local filmmaker, Adrian Esposito, on Wednesday, April 6th from 6:00- 8:00 PM. The screening will take place at CDR’s downtown office, located at 497 State Street, Rochester, NY 14608. There will be a panel discussion after the film viewing.

The 2010 documentary explores the history of institutions for people with developmental disabilities in New York State ranging from the mid 1800’s up to the present day. It chronicles the progressive changes throughout the years and the success stories of individuals living, and thriving, with disabilities. For more information on the film, visit espocinema.com.

We Can Shine has created a buzz between both audience and film critics alike, premiering to a sold out crowd at the 360/365 George Eastman House Film Festival in the summer of 2010, as well as being chosen as a screening for the 5th International “Breaking Down Barriers” Disability Film Festival in Sochi, Russia. From this festival Adrian was awarded the title of “Best Young Documentary Filmmaker.”

The filmmaker, Adrian Esposito, a 21-year-old Brighton resident with Asperger’s Syndrome, is a participant in New York State’s Office of People with Developmental Disabilities CSS- Self Determination Services.

Copies of the documentary will be for sale at the viewing: 20% of documentary purchases will go towards CDR.

For more information, contact Jenny Phillips at (585) 546-7510 or jphillips@cdrnys.org

What: Documentary screening of We Can Shine—From Institutions to Independence
When: Wednesday, April 6, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: 497 State Street, Rochester, NY 14608
Cost: Free and open to the public. Light refreshments provided.