sprout film festival

Information from Arc of Genesee Orleans:

In celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Arc of Genesee Orleans will hold its annual Art Show & Film Festival in Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College on Saturday, March 7.

This event showcases talents and abilities of children and adults served at Arc.

Doors open at 12:30 p.m. for the art show (meet some of the artists!) followed by films at 1 p.m. The presentation lasts 75 minutes and films are appropriate for all age groups.

This year, six films from the New York City based Sprout collection will be presented, produced by or featuring individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

In addition, Arc of Genesee Orleans has added a film to the 2020 lineup, produced by staff member Stephenie Hill, featuring Jim and his “Self-directed Life.”

The art show and film festival is free and open to the public.

It has been made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council and is being sponsored in part by WBTA Radio.

About Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

In 1987 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the month of March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and invited "all individuals, agencies, and organizations concerned with the problem of developmental disabilities to observe this month with appropriate observances and activities directed toward increasing public awareness of the needs and the potential of Americans with developmental disabilities.

"I urge all Americans to join me in according to our fellow citizens with such disabilities both encouragement and the opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential."

Donna Saskowski, executive director of Genesee County ARC, told Jay Moran on WBFO that once people experience the Sprout Film Festival, "they'll never forget it."

The festival is Saturday at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Genesee ARC Community Center, 38 Woodrow Road, Batavia.

Moran produced a four-minute segment about the festival. Click here to listen.

Press release:

The Sprout Film Festival returns to Genesee County on Saturday, March 31, at the Genesee ARC Community Center, 38 Woodrow Road in Batavia. Sprout is a nonprofit that holds a yearly festival in New York City and opens its library of films from around the world so the "touring festival" can travel all over the country. Genesee ARC’s festival marks the second visit in as many years.

Two 90-minute showings are scheduled at 1 and 5 p.m., offering a unique lineup of different films, ranging from two-and-a-half minutes to 25 minutes in length. Introductory remarks will be offered by Anthony DiSalvo, Sprout executive director.

Both sessions are open to the public and there is no charge to attend. Doors open at noon and artwork by local residents with disabilities is also featured. Refreshments will be available for sale from noon to 1 p.m. and between shows.

By presenting films of artistry and intellect, the festival hopes to reinforce accurate portrayals of people with developmental disabilities and expose the general public to important issues facing this population. The goal is an enjoyable and enlightening experience that will help break down stereotypes, promoting a greater acceptance of differences and awareness of similarities.

“This is about raising awareness of people with disabilities,” said Genesee ARC Executive Director Donna Saskowski. “This is a terrific way to conclude March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!”

The Sprout Film Festival is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council and is being sponsored in part by WBTA Radio.

1 p.m.

"Rudely Interrupted"
"Close My Eyes – Rudely Interrupted"
"My Only Wish – Rudely Interrupted"
"Jack Blond"
"Dream Lover"
"Cared Witless"
"Up Syndrome"

5 p.m.

"My Classic Life as an Artist"
"The Third Parent"
"One Question"
"Distinctively"
"Deedah" 
"Breadmakers"
"Hold Me Down"

If you have questions about the festival please call Genesee ARC Director of Development Shelley Falitico at 343-1123, ext. 231.

The Sprout Film Festival will be held this Saturday, March 19, at Batavia High School. It showcases films by and about people with disabilities.

Anthony DiSalvo, the director of Sprout, from New York City, will be the host. It is sponsored by Genesee County ARC.

Showings are at 2:30 and again at 6 p.m. The event is free, but donations are gladly accepted.

There will also be raffles and Sprout merchandise for sale. Concessions will be available from Friends for the Future.

Also, at 2:25 p.m. Genesee County ARC will be recognized with a Spotlight Award for March from GO ART!

The high school is located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

UPDATED: Here's the lineup of movies, and their time length, to be shown at the Sprout Film Festival.

Program One -- 2:30 p.m.

"Be My Brother" -- 7 mins.

"King of Camp" -- 42 mins.

"Hands Away" -- 3 mins.

"Sheri and Paul" -- 11 mins.

"Street Anthem" -- 3 mins.

"Rudely Interrupted" -- 9 mins.

"Close My Eyes" -- 2 1/2 mins.

"Dreams" -- 4 mins.

"How Do I Feel About That?" -- 2 mins.

Program Two -- 6 p.m.

"Beyond Brothers" -- 20 mins.

"Jimmy" -- 2 mins.

"The Other Child" -- 13 mins.

"Dancing with Downs" -- 8 mins.

"Cocktails with Ben" -- 11 mins.

"Fathers' Voices" -- 14 mins.

"How's Your News? On the Campaign Trail" -- 27 mins.