Budding filmmakers from Roleystone Community College have been recognised for their outstanding work by becoming finalists in the nationwide Focus on Ability Short Film Festival.
Year nine digital media student Monique Smith filmed a short documentary about the Twist and Shout special abilities gymnastics class, which helps people with disabilities learn gymnastics.
Her effort made her a finalist in the documentary category.
She said her sister Kiahla, who has developmental delays, inspired her to make the film.
“My sister is in Twist and Shout so when I wanted to do a film this was something close to my heart and was something I enjoyed filming so I asked around to see if I could do it and it went from there,” she said.
“There was a lot of planning, we had to find out what kids were allowed to be filmed and from there I decided I was going to follow them around as they were doing it so it was in its natural way and wasn’t staged or anything like that.
“These children are just like all the other kids and they can look like regular kids and there’s no difference, they’re still amazing people.
“They should be included in everyone else’s activities.”
Another film written and directed by year 10 students was also nominated as a finalist in the short film category.
Evie, directed by Sienna Hardie, written by Ben Clarke and edited by Kayla Holroyd follows a girl called Evie who is unable to walk.
Her bigger sister is the coach of a local netball team and most of Evie’s time is spent thinking about playing netball.
Eventually she overcomes the lack of faith others, including her father, have in her and she takes to the court.
The students said they came up with the concept because they wanted to show that no matter what happened people could always follow their dreams.
“We wanted to inspire people to never give up, no matter what your ability or disability is,” they said.
Online voting for the film festival closes August 8.
To watch the films visit focusonability.com.au.
