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Inclusive short film finalist at Tropfest
Emerging filmmaker Genevieve Clay is set to showcase her short film Be My Brother at this years Movie Extra Tropfest, Australia’s largest short film competition. The short film was selected as one of 16 finalists from over 600 entries. Thanks to the support of Alison Richardson, Western Sydney Creative Programs Coordinator at Accessible Arts, Genevieve’s vision to create an inclusive short film, that gave people living with a disability the chance to be involved with filmmaking both in front of and behind the camera, was realised.
Be My Brother stars aspiring actor, Gerard Odwyer as Richard, a young man whose charm and charisma challenges the prejudices of a stranger waiting at a bus stop. When he impacts on the stranger’s world, he also impacts on the heart and mind of someone else close by.
With Gerard Odwyer in the leading role, Tracie Sammut as camera assistant, Georgia Cranko as unit manager and Gordon Crane as gaffer, the filmmaking experience of Be My Brother presented an opportunity for creative people with disabilities to experience working on a film set in the capacity of either crew member or performer.
Genevieve met Gerard while filming a documentary for Down Syndrome NSW, and was instantly inspired by his vivacious personality and photographic memory for dialogue. She decided to write a script for him to act as the lead, in order to create a platform to showcase his talent and ability as an actor.
Gordon Crane is a recent graduate of Accessible Arts’ Apprenticeship Training Program, a unique project that offered people with disability the opportunity to gain training in Live Production, Theatre and Events. Georgia Cranko and Tracie Sammut were both participants of the recently established Mixed Abilities Ensemble, an initiative developed by Powerhouse Youth Theatre and Accessible Arts that grew out of the need for more skills development opportunities in the performing arts for people with disability.
With this years Tropfest set to be the biggest ever and the addition of Movie Extra coming on as primary sponsor, films will be broadcast live on Foxtel to over a million viewers both nationally and internationally. Thanks to Genevieve, the perfomers and crew, Be My Brother will not only present strong competition but also raise awareness and showcase the talents of people with disability to a large global audience.
Tropfest will be held on the 22 of February at the Domain in Sydney, as well as all major capitals. The Sydney site will have entertainment starting from 3pm and entry is free. Accessible areas to the Domain are located off Central Avenue pathway, (entry from Art Gallery Rd, near the Art Gallery). This is near the Information tent and St Johns First Aid. Volunteers are available to escort or direct anyone who needs assistance.
Image: Movie Extra Tropfest, 2009 Short film finalist, Film title: Be My Brother, Dir: Genevieve Clay.