Penguin Project Documentary to be Shown on WQPT on Dec. 14
A three-year-old locally produced documentary will be shown Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, on WQPT PBS at 8 p.m.
That’s when the public TV station will premiere “I AM disABLEd,” a heartwarming documentary that highlights the challenges and triumphs of students with disabilities, and their families, by following the journey of nine youths as they stage the musical “Seussical” (in 2019).
As these young artists take center stage, the spotlight shines on their abilities and similarities to all of us. “I AM disABLEd” seeks to ignite thoughtful conversations about inclusion, action, and what it means to destigmatize disabilities, according to a WQPT release.
This film was produced by Fresh Films in Rock Island, using an inclusive production process that combined the talents of 14 budding filmmakers. The crew filmed the documentary over 12 months meeting with the artists and their families.
The full cast of the Penguin Project of the Quad Cities’ “Seussical, Jr.” in 2019.
“This film is a testament to the power of inclusive storytelling,” Kelli Feigley, founder and managing director of Fresh Films, said in the release. “It not only highlights the brilliance and creativity of the young people on stage, but also the voices behind the scenes helping bring their stories to life.”
“I AM disABLEd” was created in partnership with The Penguin Project, and was made possible thanks to support from Humanities Iowa, Illinois Humanities, Quad City Arts, Regional Development Authority, Doris & Victor Day Foundation, Rauch Family Foundation, Rock Island Community Foundation, Quad Cities Community Foundation – Roy E. Murray Foundation Fund, Bechtel Trusts, Bettendorf Rotary and Jaycees of the Quad Cities.
A scene from the 2022 documentary, “I AM disABLEd,” made by Rock Island-based Fresh Films.
“I Am disABLEd” challenges viewers to look beyond the label and see the full humanity, creativity, and capability of young people navigating the world with disabilities.
“We are so happy when we can make the work of local producers available to our viewers,” Terry Wilson, WQPT’s director of marketing and development, said Monday.
On Oct. 17, Penguin Project of the Quad Cities posted on Facebook that the documentary began to be aired on PBS stations that weekend, streaming and airing on PBS in 43 states and more than 240 stations nationwide.
Abigail and Elizabeth Ziolkowski being interviewed for the film, with their parents.
Produced by Fresh Films in collaboration with the Penguin Project, Augustana College, and the Center for Living Arts, “this film is more than a story—it’s a national platform showcasing inclusion, talent, and resilience,” the Penguin Project post said. “Fourteen student filmmakers worked for over 12 months to bring this documentary to life, engaging directly with the artists and their families to create an authentic and inspiring portrayal of ability, determination, and creativity.
“This milestone is a testament to the impact of programs like Fresh Films. By providing free, hands-on industry experience, mentorship, and access to real productions, we’re equipping youth to pursue careers in film, television, and digital media—while shining a national spotlight on stories that matter,” the Facebook post said.
The QC Penguin Project program at Augustana College’s Brunner Theatre Center is run by (kneeling) Dino Hayz, left, who owns Center for Living Arts with his wife Tina, right, as well as Jeff Coussens of Augie’s theater department.
“A person is a person, no matter how small.” That iconic phrase captures the heart of this powerful documentary which follows the journey of nine youth with disabilities as they stage the musical Seussical, the film website says.
“I Am disABLEd” invites all audiences—the small and the tall—to discover what’s truly possible when we lead with empathy, celebrate individuality, and redefine what it means to belong, the site says.
The nine artists featured in the film are:
Sarah Coughlin, Halea Damm, Grant Polzin, Alyssa Quinones, Hannah Rath, Deane Thomas, Maddie Wright, Abigail Ziolkowski, and Elizabeth Ziolkowski.
In her program bio, Hannah (who played Sour Kangaroo) wrote that she was born with a song in her heart and fight in her spirit. At less than 8 months old, Hannah could copy musical tones and would repeat 5-note sequences when sung to her.
Penguin Project artist Hannah Rath (her T-shirt says, “Just Kidding, I Have No Idea”).
She was born 10 ½ weeks early with a genetic duplication at 1q21 which has caused developmental disabilities and muscle tone issues. Hannah also has a diagnosis of Bipolar 1 but even on her darkest days she never lost her love for music. Hannah lives in Moline with her parents and brother Buddy and was excited that all nine of her siblings came to see Seussical Jr.
Maddie Wright, a featured artist in the documentary, three years ago (first shown in November 2022 at the Putnam Giant Screen Theater) shared what it was like to be in the project: “To tell the truth, it impacted my life in a way I didn’t expect. ‘I Am Able,’ that film, I just want to give out the message of different abilities. Do not judge at all until you meet someone.”
The QC Penguin Project (part of a nationwide effort) is coordinated through the Rock Island-based Center for Living Arts. Each year, the students perform a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical.
A scene from the 2019 Penguin Project production of “Seussical, Jr.”
These productions are unique, however, because all the roles are filled by young artists with developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other neurological disorders, according to the Penguin Project website.
In a WHBF review of the Putnam premiere Nov. 2, 2022: I wrote: “Over four years from filming to premiere, a packed theater was treated to the touching, insightful, completely heartwarming and inspirational documentary…”
“Through a story of challenges and triumphs, this humane, compassionate documentary seeks to ignite conversations about inclusion and action and encourages thoughtful conversations about what it means to destigmatize disabilities,” the review said.
Sarah Couglin interviewed with the rest of her family for the documentary “I AM disABLEd,” to be shown on WQPT at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14.
Fourteen youth filmmakers worked on the production as part of their Fresh Films production experience. The crew filmed the documentary over 12 months meeting with the artists and their families.
Fresh Films is where creativity meets opportunity. For over 20 years, the organization has helped youth build careers in the creative industries through real-world film sets, training, and mentorships. Fresh Films alumni have gone on to work for industry leaders including Hulu, HBO, Marvel, Warner Brothers, NBC, Disney, BET, and Nickelodeon. With every project, Fresh Films proves that empowering young creators isn’t just good for their future—it’s good for storytelling.
The Penguin Project will next present “Frozen Jr.” on January 23-25, 2026, at Augustana College’s Brunner Theatre Center, 3750 7th Ave., Rock Island. Learn more at penguinproject.org.
In addition to the over-the-air broadcast, “I AM disABLEd” can be streamed online at WQPT.org/watch.
A scene from the 2019 Penguin Project musical, “Seussical, Jr.”
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