ReelAbilities Screening: Lucas, an endangered human species

Event Details

ReelAbilities Film Festival Columbus and CCAD present a screening of "Lucas, an endangered human species" by Éli Laliberté. Following the film will be a talkback with the director.

When:

October 29, 2025     6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where:

60 Cleveland Ave Columbus, OH 43215

Cost:

Free

Access:

Open captions will be provided. We will also have headphones on hand for a sensory-friendly experience.

Requests for additional accommodations should be made at least two weeks in advance at info@ArtPossibleOhio.org

Parking:

Attendees can park in the CCAD lot to the East of Canzani for the duration of the event.

Schedule of events:

6:00 PM: Film screening begins

7:30 PM: Talkback with director, Éli Laliberté

Film Description:

In Canada, prenatal screening to detect Down syndrome is offered to all expectant mothers. Since the government program was rolled out in Quebec in 2010, approximately 95% of pregnancies in which Down syndrome was detected have been terminated. As the father of a young man with Down syndrome, documentary filmmaker Éli Laliberté asks: “Should we be imagining a world without Down syndrome?” In addition to trying to find an answer to his question, this film is a behind-the-curtain look at the universe of Down syndrome. Beyond introducing viewers to extraordinary human beings around the world and their contributions to humankind, the documentary is full of love, compassion and humour, and raises a valid question about the value of human life, one without a straightforward answer.

Discussion:

After the film join us for a talkback with director,  Éli Laliberté

About the Director:

Éli Laliberté is a Quebec documentary filmmaker, screenwriter, cinematographer, and producer from the Gaspé Peninsula. For more than 30 years, he has explored major social, environmental, and Indigenous issues through films that combine a sensitive gaze with narrative rigor. His works have been broadcast across Canada and internationally, on networks such as Radio-Canada, TV5, Télé-Québec, Unis TV, Discovery, and NHK.

Éli Laliberté has been recognized many times for the quality of his work, receiving nominations at the Gémeaux Awards, the Canadian Screen Awards, and several prestigious prizes at national and international festivals. Through his grounded and sensitive approach, he offers a committed perspective on our times, giving voice to those who are too often unheard. Respect guides Éli in all his collaborations and creative relationships.

Among his notable works:
• Les survivantes (2013), a hard-hitting documentary on violence against women, nominated for a Gémeaux Award for Best Cinematography.
• Konnected.tv (2016), a series about a new generation of Indigenous leaders, nominated at the Canadian Screen Awards.
• Les Artisans du changement (2009–2011), an award-winning documentary series honored with a Gémeaux Award for Best Documentary Series.
• Florent Vollant: Faiseur de Makusham (2019), named Best Canadian Feature Documentary at the PERCEIDES Festival and winner of the Gerbe d’Or at Festival Cinémental.
• Un canot dans la neige, winner of the Vue sur mer Gaspesian Award (2019) and nominated at the Gémeaux Awards.

• Lucas, une espèce humaine en voie de disparition (2025), a deeply personal and committed film that received multiple official festival selections and Gémeaux nominations.

Trailer:

Questions? Contact Nikki Swift at info@ArtPossibleOhio.org or call 380.799(MAKE)

Image Description:

Poster for screening of Lucas, An Endangered Human Species on October 29, 2025 from 6:00-8PM. Join us for a FREE Screening and a discussion after the film! At Columbus College of Art and Design Screening Room 60 Cleveland Ave. Sponsored by Art Possible Ohio, Ohio Arts Council, GCAC, Harry C. Moores and The Columbus Foundation. In partnership with CCAD.