Two Inspirational Films of Hope and Overcoming Challenges

Dan Habib is the creator of the award-winning documentary films “Including Samuel”, which will be shown on Sunday, May 19, 2019, 1:00 pm at Congregation Shaarey Zedek along with “Mr. Connolly has ALS” A special day at the Detroit Jewish Film Festival highlighting two inspirational movies of hope and overcoming challenges during A Taste of REELABILITIES at the Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival.

Dan admits that after he learned his son, Samuel had Cerebral Palsy, he was forced to admit he hadn’t always perceived people with disabilities to be as capable as he was. But he thought, what if the world thought of Samuel in that way?

Dan Habib rarely thought about the inclusion of people with disabilities. Now he thinks about inclusion every day. Shot and produced over four years, Habib’s award-winning documentary film, “Including Samuel”, chronicles the Habib family’s efforts to include Samuel in every facet of their lives. The film honestly portrays his family’s hopes and struggles, as well as the experiences of four other individuals with disabilities and their families. Including Samuel is a highly personal, passionately photographed film that captures the cultural and systemic barriers to inclusion.

“Including Samuel” has been translated into 17 languages and is used as a teaching tool worldwide. Samuel Habib is a child with beautiful dark eyes and an infectious smile. Like most children his age, he’s bright and curious, and anxious to assert independence. He loves his parents, and enjoys a special relationship with brother, Isaiah, who is three years older than he is.

Samuel’s parents want others to know Cerebral Palsy is only a part of whom their son is. It’s that contention that is at the heart of “Including Samuel,” a documentary produced by Samuel’s father, Dan Habib, which asks fundamental questions all parents of a child with special needs must ask: How do parents foster a sense of belonging in the family, at school, and in society? How can parents make sure that they’re emotional cues benefit their child, and their siblings? And, in what can be an overwhelming schedule of appointments, health issues, and educational decisions, what lies ahead for their child, and their family?

The documentary, which is narrated by Dan, explores all of these questions through the prism of inclusion, especially when it comes to education. He interviews Samuel’s mother, Betsy McNamara, educators, and persons with physical, developmental and mental disabilities about their experiences with the education system in the United States.

Both Dan and Betsy know they cannot change how people feel about their son, but their hope is that with inclusive policies in school and society that people begin to see Samuel in the way that he sees himself, and the way his family sees him – as an active, intelligent and engaged contribution to society, even though he is uniquely different than his peer.

“Including Samuel” also explores the loving relationship between Samuel and his brother Isaiah, who is three years his senior. But common amongst parents of children with special needs, Dan and Betsy also wonder if Samuel’s needs have taken attention away from Isaiah.

Mr. Connolly Has ALS” A high school principal is embraced by his community and students as he continues to lead the school, despite rapidly losing his ability to walk and speak due to the debilitating effects of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Dan Habib’s son, Samuel has cerebral palsy and was a Concord High School Student.

Pre-registration $5 At the door $10 “Including Samuel” “Mr. Connolly Has ALS”

• For all abilities; ages 8 years and older

• Pre- registration required: Fee: $5

• Drums alive, art activities & yoga

• Staff will lead activities while you enjoy the films.

Register at jccdet.org/reelabilities Or Shoshana Baruch 248.432.5543 sbaruch@jccdet.org

More information on the Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival is available online detroitjewishfilmfestival.com