MWFF 2023 Shining a light: Showcasing Disability on Screen

Schools panel - this panel is designed for years 9-12.

Disability has been underrepresented on Australian screens. Join us for a special screening and panel discussion that showcases the diversity of human experience but also speaks to the importance of authentic representation when telling stories about disability.

Watch two short films that centre disability both on screen and behind the camera, and then join an online panel with the filmmakers to talk about narrative, the filmmaking process, and why we should value seeing different perspectives on screen.  

Films will be available to watch online from 13th February to 6th March. Booking tickets includes access to films and an invitation to the online panel on February 24th. The panel will also be recorded and made available for ticket holders to watch in their own time.

Film program includes:

Look the Part (dir. Claire Fletcher, 2021)

Sam is a cleaner working in a theatre who dreams of being a dancer. When Peaches (her magical inner-diva-drag queen) materialises one night, Sam’s dreams transform into reality.

Hopeful Romantic (dir. Kate Vinen, 2021)

While Daisy waits in a bar for her online date, she attempts to play it cool. She tries to imitate the ‘cool’ girl in the bar, which fails miserably. In the end, she learns the best way to find love is to be herself.

Can’t make it in person? This panel will also be available to attend online. Register your details and we’ll send you an access link and instructions closer to the event.

Any queries, please email education@mwff.org.au

Panelists

Claire Fletcher (director)

Claire is an Australian producer who has worked in the screen industry for 20+ years. Starting out as an editor Claire cut multiple TV series and feature films. For the past three years Claire has worked exclusively as a producer on documentary films with her company Matadora Films, that have screened in film festivals in Sydney, Adelaide, Cambodia, London, Sheffield, and Switzerland.

Kate Vinen (director)

Kate Vinen is an award-winning writer and director based in Sydney, Australia.  She completed a Graduate Certificate in Directing (2010) and a Masters of Documentary Directing (2018-2020) at the prestigious Australian Film Television & Radio School. Her films have screened at film festivals, galleries, and biennales in Australia and worldwide.

Rae Pastuszak (actor)

Rae Pastuszak is an actor who appears in Hopeful Romantic (2021), Filters (2020), Look the Part (2021) and various TVC, online campaigns and photo shoots. She attends Bus Stop Films, an inclusive filmmaking program and is keen to see more people with intellectual disabilities represented on our screens.

Moderator: Sema Yildirim 

Sema is a secondary teacher of Media and English at Emerald secondary College. Her passion or Media education has her involved in the ATOM education committee and she is mentoring two upcoming Media teachers at her school. She teaches years 11 and 12 media studies this year. Her passion for media education has brought her to facilitate our Q&A today.