City to host inclusive int’l disability film fest from July 7

Chennai: The city is set to host the ninth edition of AbilityFEST 2025 India, an international disability film festival organized by Ability foundation from July 7 to 10 at Sathyam Cinemas. The festival will feature international films like ‘Upside Down' (Italy), ‘Zomervacht' (Netherlands), and ‘Ahaan', the first Hindi film featuring a lead actor with Down syndrome. The diverse lineup of films will spotlight disability in all its forms.The festival will also include a special screening of the Tamil film ‘Tourist Family' with audio description for people with visual impairment. The closing event will feature screening of the Aamir Khan-starrer ‘Sitaare Zameen Par' and a live discussion with director R S Prasanna and writer Divy Nidhi Sharma.This year's foreign line-up includes , ‘Ab, Bad, Khak, Nan and Abrash' from Iran, ‘Ania z Piekielnika' from Poland, ‘Dancer' from Mongolia, ‘Working Differently' from UK, and ‘Daruma', ‘Thunder Roles! The World of Blind Baseball', and an animated feature ‘Luki and the Lights!' from the US.The films explore the themes of identity, care, and inclusion. ‘Upside Down' follows a man with Down syndrome using sport to assert independence and gain family acceptance. ‘Zomervacht' portrays a teen caring for his intellectually disabled brother, highlighting responsibility and emotional strain. ‘Working Differently' addresses neurodiversity in the workplace and media, pushing for structural inclusion.All screenings are free with four shows daily. Online registration is mandatory and seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis. For more details, visit https://www.abilityfoundation.org/ability-fest-2025.html