REEL People, REAL Lives Documentary Film Series

JFS is offering the REEL People, REAL Lives documentary film series that will explore a diverse array of stories while introducing the audience to a fascinating assortment of people facing and seeing their way through various life hurdles.

All the events in this film series are free and open to the public. Contact Jodi Saltzman for information at (651) 313-6623. Registration appreciated on the form below.

The Mental Health Film Series is a collaboration between JFS, JFCS, JCC, St. Paul Jewish Federation Giving Circle and JDAIM.

Exploring a diverse array of concerns while introducing us to a fascinating assortment of people facing and seeing their way through various life hurdles, the films introduce us to individuals dealing with such issues as autism, depression and bipolar disorder, suicidality, or more simply, being different from others.

All the events in this film series are free and open to the public. Contact Jodi Saltzman for information at (651) 313-6623.

Films
DEEJ
February 9, 2020, 1-3:30PM, St. Paul JCC
In the first movie in the series, a nonspeaking young man dreams of autistic civil rights. The documentary film “Deej,” with its insider view of autism, challenges us all to live inclusion.

Abandoned by his birth parents and unable to speak for himself, DJ Savarese (Deej) found not only a loving family but also a life in words, which he types on a text-to-voice synthesizer. As he makes his way through high school and dreams of college, he confronts the terrors of his past, obstacles to inclusion, and the sometimes-paralyzing beauty of his own senses. In his advocacy on behalf of other nonspeaking autistics, he discovers what having a voice can truly mean.

A panel discussion and audience Q & A facilitated by Dr. Mitchell Wittenberg, PhD, will follow the film.

Please register in advance.

Save the dates of May 17 and September 13 for future films in the series.