Ann Arbor, MI —July 2025 — The Ann Arbor District Library is excited to announce the pre-premiere of Resilience Revealed: Ann Arbor’s Disability Legacy on Sunday, July 27 at 6:00 PM in the Downtown Library’s Lobbytorium.
Resilience Revealed explores the rich history of disability advocacy in Ann Arbor, highlighting the city’s foundational role in shaping the broader disability rights movement. Through personal narratives, historical accounts, and expert insights, the film delves into the building blocks of Ann Arbor’s disability legacy, emphasizing its significance within the community and its impact on future generations.
Director Zach Damon brings a unique perspective to the project, drawing from his experience as a director with a disability and extensive work in media and advocacy. He is the creator and host of Ann Arbor Tonight, a local late-night show that has garnered multiple Philo T. Farnsworth Awards for its contributions to entertainment, arts, and cultural awareness. Damon also directed Nightmare, a short film recognized in the 2025 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. “Ann Arbor has long been a beacon for disability rights,” says Damon. “This film aims to honor that legacy”
He adds, “I’m deeply grateful to the Ann Arbor District Library for believing in this vision. I also want to thank every individual who was part of the film, and my incredible crew—none of this would’ve been possible without their hard work, heart, and dedication.”
The film features interviews with Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor, Disability Network Executive Director Alex Gossage, and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein, along with original music by Vicalely, a performer from Ann Arbor’s youth-driven creative hub, the Neutral Zone. Vicalely will perform before the screening.
The pre-premiere event is free and open to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a post-screening discussion with the filmmaker and featured figures in the film.
Event Details:
- What: Pre-Premiere of Resilience Revealed: Ann Arbor’s Disability Legacy
- When: Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM
- Where: Ann Arbor District Library – Downtown Branch, Lobbytorium, 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI
- Admission: Free and open to the public
For more information, please visit aadl.org