Bevan, by Bevan & Rinta (Australia, 2023), is a short film included in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival. It explores achievement, motivation and perception around congenital and intellectual disability, including Down syndrome. With themes of martial arts, training and mental health, the film offers a positive look at adult experience and individual capability. Its quiet moments invite audiences to reconsider assumptions and appreciate different viewpoints. Presented as part of our festival, Bevan contributes to a broader conversation about ability, resilience and daily practice without relying on easy answers. A thoughtful, uplifting piece that prompts reflection.
My name is Hervin Guazo. I am 41 years old and I have Down syndrome. Having Down syndrome is a part of me, but it is not my whole identity. There are many more interesting things about me, like my passion for martial arts and martial arts films. And my dream is to make a martial arts film one day. It affects me a lot. A lot and a lot. As I have said, I have a dream, like seeing myself with Down syndrome. I ask questions of myself. I look at myself in the mirror. I look at myself as if I am not normal. But now I feel much better about myself. Doing the things I love, like martial arts and film study has been amazing. Having the nice people around me helps me a lot too. There are a lot of heroes. Ben Demp, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Steven Seagal, Chuck Norris and others out there. Bruce Lee is my favourite martial arts hero because he was strong, disciplined and kick-ass. He had great vision and made an awesome film. When I watch him, it's like my eyes are wide open. I think to myself, yes, I want to follow in his footsteps. I started Wing Chun with Rick Speight at Redbird Kung Fu. What I like about Rick Speight is that I don't train with him. He makes me feel special. He makes me feel like a good person. I train hard by listening to him. Everything he says, he says to me, come on, be like Superman. I've done it. One, two, I'm getting stronger, I'm getting stronger. He likes that. Everything in my mind, I do everything he says. That's really great. He makes me feel better, makes me a better person. He has positive values, positive thinking. He makes me feel smart, that's all. Hi guys, I've been training with Bevan for how long now? Maybe 18 months, maybe less. What I admire about Bevan is that nothing's too hard. What he's very passionate about is Kung Fu. It's always a pleasure and an honour. I find it quite inspirational training with him. We've become good friends and I look forward to a great training future together. I think marginalised is something anyone can do. It doesn't matter about your age or if you have ADHD or not. Marginalised doesn't judge. As long as you are willing to work hard and practicing, you can do anything. I would love to encourage other people to start training because it has been a great influence on me and my mental health.
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by Bevan & Rinta - OPEN ENTRANT DOCUMENTARIES
