"D-Squad" (Studio Burleigh, Australia, 2023) is a short film that examines ideas of ability, acceptance and achievement through a focus on young adults with cognitive and congenital disabilities. It invites viewers to reconsider common stereotypes and the stigma that often shapes perception. The film highlights group dynamics and the different ways people understand and respond to intellectual disability. Presented as part of the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, D-Squad contributes to a programme that celebrates skill, resilience and everyday accomplishment. Expect a thoughtful, human portrait that prompts questions about viewpoint and belonging, while celebrating the abilities on show.
This is Captain Jack from C-Squad, we too have failed our mission, and now the universe is one step closer to the brink of destruction. Our only hope is for the D-Squad, or else we are doomed. Make sure, for the love of God, make sure they do not touch- Ah, this is hopeless, I mean, we are the final gods, the last hope, and there's nothing we can do. Can you quit your panicking? I'm trying to think here. You heard what Captain Jack said in the transmission. We are doomed, the universe is doomed. Sam, just shut up, OK? We are not like the others, and you know it. Can you both be quiet? Sorry ma'am. Keep searching, there has to be something here to get us into the vault. Captain, I found something! It would appear to be a glyph, but the symbols make no sense. It appears to have a symbol of a brain on it? But what could it mean? I found it at a glyph. Is it the same? No, this one has a different symbol, it's a music note. They mean something together, we just don't know what. HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. Hey, over there! Murdoch! What are you doing here? C-Squad needed me for the mission, I tried to stop him. Tried to stop who? Also, he's still in there. Who? You're not talking much sense mate, Captain Jack. Jack's alive? How can we help? The glyph, what are we missing? You need to use your abilities. Our what? All of our unique abilities were combined to open the door. Now what? Murdoch, you've used your photographic brain to find all the glyphs, that must be why yours is glowing. Sarah, use your power up dance while Leon plays a tune. Commander, there was a paintbrush at the control panel, use your creativity while Triss signs. Sam, use your powers to create a soundwave interference for the vault door. Who put this controller over there with my name on it? Well, well, well, what do we have here? Ah yes, the D-Squad. Captain? In the flesh. But, we thought you died, the transmission- A trick? And now I am free to use this jewel to create a world where everyone can accept us. Where everyone can accept me! What are you talking about, they do accept us! People dislike us because we are different, they look at us like we're mutants! You can't do this, the jewel is too dangerous! We trusted you, you were our brother! You're one of us! Then join me, together we can bend the world to our will! We will never do that, not this way, it's not right! The world isn't perfect, but I can't control it! We won't let you change it! There is no other way. No! What? What happened? What are you all doing? We are stopping you from doing something stupid. But the world needs to accept us for who we are. You've got this all wrong, some may not accept us for who or what we are, but there are others who do accept us. It doesn't matter who we are, we already live in a world where we can achieve our dreams. And be who we want to be. Jack! Hey guys, I think I know what happened. The jewel's power was to take any sadness and turn it into anger. Once the jewel was destroyed, Jack was able to see clearly and is expected to make a full recovery. This weapon of negativity and doubt will never be able to hurt any of us again. This is Commander Carrie, signing off. Thanks Kate. Come on, there's a chocolate cake in the fridge. It's a phone app.
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