Folk with You, by Sally Newman (Australia, 2023), is a short film that celebrates community, movement and joy. Through dance and group performance it showcases adults with intellectual and physical disabilities, including wheelchair users, and highlights their achievements and camaraderie. The film offers moments of entertainment and warmth while emphasising inclusion and shared creative expression. Presented in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, Folk with You sits alongside other works that shine a light on the talents and everyday successes of people with disability. It is an uplifting, respectful piece that invites audiences to enjoy skill, humour and collective spirit.
I'm Sally Newman, the Creative Director of Firstline Productions and recently I was asked to look at my portfolio and talk about moments that I'm super proud of. This show in 2021 called I Want to Folk With You is one of those moments. We are disabled, we are chronically ill, we are sexy and we are here for your entertainment. It's like the thing God has done to save someone. When they get to the part where he's breaking a heart, it can really make you cry just like before. That was absolutely amazing, fantastic, all in one piece. You made me cry at the end, it was so lovely. Tears are good. And I always say if two people, and I'm hoping it's the two of you, if two people walk away and start a conversation about the importance of these sorts of things, then it's a win. So thank you, thank you for your support. I'm in the disability centre and I will be sharing what's happening tonight with Simon Peake. I think out of all the shows I've done, this one stands out because we gave 10 people living with disability the opportunity to step up into an 18 plus cabaret and really celebrate who they are. The show was amazing, absolutely fantastic. There's only two shows that they know better than me. They would love to convene this performance. And from someone who stands in front of an audience like myself and sort of takes my soul, I cannot be more confident that there's nothing to add. They should be so proud of themselves, absolutely amazing. Yes, I pay the price. But look how much I get if I had to. I would really love to see you. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. It was the best show ever. Pull up the program so we know what show it is. It was amazing. I want to folk with you. I want to folk with you and it was incredible. And the most inclusive and beautiful and inspiring show. And I'm now going to go and learn burlesque. And a one, and a two, and a three. Thank you so much.
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Folk with You by Sally Newman (2023)
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by Sally Newman - OPEN ENTRANT DOCUMENTARIES
