Genevieve Clay-Smith

A rousing World Premiere about family, friendship and the power of krumping. A heartwarming Sydney production made with an inclusive cast and crew from Bus Stop Films. Twenty-three-year-old Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and must fight for her independence following the tragic loss of her mother. Distant grandmother, Doris (Penny Downie, The Crown), becomes the guardian to Sonja and her younger sister, Emma (Julia Savage, Blaze, SFF 2023). But when Doris tries to sell the family home and uproot their lives, Sonja defends her right to her home, lifestyle, friends and boyfriend, Michael (Chris Bunton, Nude Tuesday, SFF 2022). Inspired by her new friend Hakim (Elijah Williams), Sonja stands up to Doris by expressing herself through krumping, an energetic dance style that releases frustration. A stirring debut about individuality and independence.

Be My Brother stars aspiring actor Gerard O'Dwyer as Richard, a young man whose charm and charisma challenges the prejudices of a stranger waiting at a bus stop. When he impacts the stranger’s world, he also impacts the heart and mind of someone else close by. With Gerard O'Dwyer 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, as part of the Up, Up and Away Project, and was instantly inspired by his vivacious personality and a 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.

Paralympian Paul Nunnari takes a road trip up Australia's famous coastline to explore the different barriers of access that people with disabilities face when trying to enjoy the beach.

The words of professionals in medicine, education and occupational therapy who have biases and prejudices towards the capabilities of people with disability can leave new parents with children with disability completely broken. In this documentary, 8 filmmakers with intellectual disability question their parents about the experiences they faced when dealing with professionals upon their diagnosis.