WINDHAM, N.Y. – Two students from the Adaptive Sports Foundation’s (ASF) winter program are the subjects of the new documentary short film, “We Are Athletes”, which was produced by HUDSY, a Hudson Valley Film nonprofit which works with established and emerging filmmakers to tell local vital stories. After premiering at the Woodstock Film Festival on October 20, “We Are Athletes” was selected to be presented at the Big Apple Film Festival (BAFF) in Manhattan on Tuesday, November 19 at Look Dine-In Cinemas.
ABOUT THE FILM
In a society where neurotypical athletes are the norm, the Adaptive Sports Foundation in Windham, NY, challenges this perception. This inspiring documentary follows Farryl, a 10-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, and Matt, a 33-year-old wounded war veteran. As an ASF athlete, Farryl strives to conquer the ski slopes independently, while Matt seeks a renewed sense of purpose for his life, a reason to keep moving despite the chronic pain he experiences daily. Their journeys are filled with trepidation and determination as they aspire to achieve what sometimes seems impossible despite their best efforts and the tremendous support of the adaptive sports community. Witness the ups and downs, setbacks, and triumphs, of two athletes determined to defy the odds and accomplish their dreams on and off the snow. Angel Fonseca’s “We Are Athletes” showcases the power of adaptive sports to transform lives and redefine what it means to be an athlete today.
BIG APPLE FILM FESTIVAL
“We Are Athletes” will be shown at the Big Apple Film Festival as a apart of its Feature Documentary Program on Tuesday, November 19 at Look Dine-In Cinemas, Theater #5 at 5:45 p.m. It will be played back-to-back with “GOOD MEN”.
To purchase tickets to the Big Apple Film Festival, please visit bigapplefilmfestival.com. For tickets specific to the November 19th showing of “We Are Athletes,” click here. You can also find the film by visiting bigapplefilmfestival.com, clicking the “Program and Tickets” button, clicking the “Film Guide” button and searching for “We Are Athletes”.
The Big Apple Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing and promoting the highest quality films from the New York City independent film community, as well as additional specially selected films from across the country and around the world. Additionally, the festival is proud to honor a variety of New York City based filmmakers, writers, actors and artists who have played an influential role in the growth of independent filmmaking in the Big Apple. Each season, BAFF presents awards in various categories in filmmaking and screenwriting.
FUNDING FOR THE FILM
Funding for “We Are Athletes” was provided by grants from The KFC Foundation and HUDSY.
ASFYP AFTERPARTY
The Adaptive Sports Foundation Young Professionals group will be hosting an afterparty at Morty’s Wine & Beer Bar, 15 West End Avenue, following the event from 7-10 p.m.
ABOUT THE ADAPTIVE SPORTS FOUNDATION
For 40 years the ASF has been providing sports and recreation opportunities to thousands in the disabled community. Since then, it has grown into what it is today, an organization that provides year-round services out of its own slope-side lodge, the Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center. All this has been accomplished over the years thanks to many donors and an impressive legion of volunteers.
The Adaptive Sports Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides profound and life-changing experiences for children and adults with physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities and chronic illnesses through outdoor physical activity, education, support and community.