Reviewed by Fiona Bessey-Bushnell
The nationally recognized ReelAbilities Film Festival began in 2007. Now in its third year, fourteen US cities will host this thought-provoking film festival. This local series holds films at various venues throughout Richmond, such as the Weinstein Jewish Community Center, The Visual Arts Center of Richmond, The Byrd Theatre, and the Larrick Student Center on VCU’s Medical Center’s MCV Campus.
It’s quite a line-up, with a wide variety of films showcased. At the close of the film each night, there is a talk-back session, facilitated by an area expert on topics related to the film to facilitate audience-goers’ reactions and insights on the film.
Opening night at the Weinstein Jewish Community Center highlighted The Dreamers, a local group of young adult performers with disabilities who offered a great introduction to the series, as they belted out “New York, New York” and tunes from Grease prior to the film showing.
The main film of the evening, Ocean Heaven, was a poignant story of a father, Mr. Wong, (played by martial arts superstar Jet Li) and his love for his son, Dafu who has autism, (played by Wen Zhang), and the journey they make together. In this Chinese drama (with English subtitles), Mr. Wong makes ingenious connections with his son, while teaching him everyday tasks such as dressing, catching the bus, and cooking his favorite food – eggs.
Mr. Wong works in an aquarium, and Dafu loves the water. Dafu swims in the tank every day, in his own world, swimming with fish and mimicking sounds of the dolphins in the aquarium. This story of love, letting go, and entrusting others, highlights the struggles that every 20-year-old young man might face – working to become more independent, getting a job, and yearning for the affection of a woman.
At the turning point of the film, Mr. Wong spends a great deal of energy trying in vain to find a facility to care for his son when he is gone. His desperation is palpable as he is met with constant rejections – that Dafu is too old or too young or that the facility is not appropriate. Although unconventional, part of the support system and community where Dafu would eventually thrive is the one in which he was already an integral part. As a way to help Dafu deal with his father’s impending death, Mr. Wong makes his own turtle costume, then swims alongside Dafu, telling him that when he is gone, he will be just like the turtles in the sea and will always swim with him. At times funny, but always powerful, this story of enduring love left not a dry eye in the house.
For other films, additional information, and tickets, visit ReelAbilities.
The film festival continues through April 6 at various venues in Richmond. Tickets per film: $8 for Weinstein JCC members; $10 for non-members.
