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Song For Skyla: An Inclusively Made Short Film

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posted on 2024-10-22, 04:21 authored by Martha GoddardMartha Goddard

Song For Skyla is a short romantic comedy about two autistic friends who debate dating with the same disability.

At first glance this film appears deceptively simple. It’s a two-hander between Ben and Skyla, set in one location - a picture-perfect picnic setting designed by local legend Matti Crocker in the beautiful Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens, Brisbane. With a lightness of touch and witty banter, our two characters - both autistic - explore the darker theme of internalised ableism.

This script was conceived and developed in a highly collaborative and inclusive process through Bus Stop Films’ forty-week filmmaking program for students living with disability. In our Brisbane class there were several autistic contributors who were passionate about this topic drawing on lived experience. I remember being initially shocked by the statement “I don’t want to date someone with a disability” which was echoed by many of the students living with disability. Digging into the why of this comment, the class embarked on an insightful, heartfelt discussion around internalised ableism and the nuanced complexity of dating with a disability. After that, I knew this line had to be in the film. It’s a point of view we don’t often see explored on screen.

Our characters, Ben and Skyla, can’t possibly represent every person with Autism, so we felt it important to acknowledge this at the start of the film, that this story is specific to them, developed by people with lived experience of Autism, and portrayed by two incredible actors with Autism, Mary Hossack and Miles Barton. We prioritised authenticity of voice and representation at every stage of production.

Images courtesy Bus Stop Films.

Funding

Bus Stop Films

History

ERA Category

  • Recorded/Rendered Creative Work - Film/Video

Eligible major research output?

  • Yes

Research Statement

Song For Skyla is a short romantic comedy exploring internalized ableism, as defined by Wolff (2020), through the dating experiences of two neurodivergent characters with Autism. Developed within Bus Stop Films’ inclusive filmmaking program, the project emerged from a pitch by a participant with Autism, highlighting the role of lived experiences in authentic storytelling (Davis, 2017). All ten class members, who have disabilities, actively contributed to character development, themes, and dialogue alongside industry professionals. This film represents an innovative model of inclusive filmmaking by prioritizing authenticity and inclusivity. It followed guidelines from The Inclusive Filmmaking Toolkit (2021), ensuring genuine casting and a supportive environment where industry mentors guided participants. Filmed in a single day, the project showcased the power of collaboration between neurotypical professionals and individuals with disabilities, culminating in a cohesive seven-page script. Song For Skyla aims to foster audience connection and reshape perceptions of disability by showcasing the talents of creatives living with disabilities. Feedback indicated increased morale and job satisfaction among the industry-based crew, underscoring that diversity enhances production dynamics. This highlights the need for further quantitative analysis in future projects to strengthen diversity efforts in Australian film. The film aligns with a growing trend in exploring autistic experiences in dating, similar to ABC’s Better Date Than Never (2021). Selected for the Brisbane International Film Festival and screened at the Heart of Gold International Film Festival, it underscores the importance of diverse narratives in media.

Publisher

Bus Stop Films

Place of publication

Brisbane

Copyright notes

© 2023 Bus Stop Films.

References

Wolff, J. (2020). "Internalized Ableism: Understanding the Impact of Societal Attitudes." Journal of Disability Studies, 15(3), 45-62. Davis, L. J. (2017). "The Role of Lived Experience in Disability Narratives." Disability Studies Quarterly, 37(2), 1-20. The Inclusive Filmmaking Toolkit. (2021). Best Practices for Inclusive Filmmaking. Better Date Than Never. (2021). ABC Television.

Size of work

10 minutes

Length of recording

10 minutes

Exhibition date from

2024-09-28

Exhibition date to

2024-11-02

Was the work disseminated?

  • Yes

Form of dissemination

  • Film festival

Scope of dissemination

  • State

Did the work go on tour?

  • Yes

Name of commercial distributor

Bus Stop Films

Venue

Brisbane International Film Festival, Reading Cinema Newmarket Heart of Gold International Film Festival Gympie

Location of work

Brisbane & Gympie

Name of publication

Brisbane International Film Festival Gympie International Film Festival

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