About this Short Film
All I Hear, directed by Keven Souza (New Zealand, 2018), follows Jay as he navigates life after a serious head injury that brings memory gaps and the onset of distressing voices. Told in a candid first-person style, the short blends hospital conversations, friendships and intimate reflection to explore how identity, relationships and support shift when unexpected symptoms emerge. The film’s tone is honest and restrained rather than sensational, emphasising connection, communication and the practical uncertainties around diagnosis and recovery. Viewers will find value in its human-centred perspective—particularly those interested in lived experience, carers and communities seeking to better understand and respond to voice-hearing and life changes. A thoughtful addition to the Focus on Ability programme.
Film Details
Film Transcript
"So Jalen's gonna be okay?"
"Yes. Your friend is expected to make a good recovery, although we are worried about issues he could face during his recovery. He had a really bad hit to the head, so we do expect a bit of memory loss to happen."
"Okay, but that is normal, right?"
"Yes, it is. However, we also read his file and we noticed that his family has a history of schizophrenia. In some cases, head injuries can increase the chances of the gene being activated, but it's a very slight chance and he might not have that disability."
"Okay, doc, that's good to know. Wait, where's Cam?"
"Jessie, she's with her parents."
"Thanks for picking me up, bro."
"No hay for the Hawaii. Thank you. See you in two weeks."
"Hey. So, how have you been? You can tell me."
"Just lately I've been hearing these voices and I feel like I'm going crazy. I don't know what to do."
"What are they saying?"
"They tell me I'm stupid and they tell me I'm worthless. They tell me to hurt people that I love."
"Jana, I'm here now. We can figure this out together." [Music]
"You're so stupid." [Music]
"It was really good."
"How are you?"
"No, I'm good, man. Pretty good. You look fine."
"Thanks, man. I've had some help. Kami's just back from Australia today; they go, 'Bro, we need to talk.'"
"For this whole time, Cam wasn't real."
"Actually, bro, back at the hospital I was talking to Mr Fernandez and he told me that there's a chance of getting schizophrenia after the accident. That explains everything. That's why I think—" [Music]
It was hard dealing with all these new challenges, but I had her. I did, and every time I felt like I was falling I imagined her. At times when people looked at me strange and didn't understand that even though my disability didn't appear to be physical, she had me ignore them and focus on the good. She gave me hope that someday, with the help that was available to me, I would overcome these voices. The salvation of a man is through love, and in love I stayed strong because she was my reason to keep fighting. And in hard times I just need to find our reason, because there always is one. There always is.
Thunder fan away I thought of found a way. Yeah, but you never go away, never go away. So I guess I gotta stay now.
Filmmaker
Keven Souza is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Keven Souza.
Loved this short film Its pretty awesome and the message was very touching
Yooo this is so amazing