About this Short Film
Rafael Star's Gemma (Australia, 2019) explores themes of anxiety, congenital and intellectual disability, dating and family life from a young adult perspective. The film invites viewers to rethink assumptions about ability, isolation and motivation, and offers moments that feel both honest and quietly hopeful. Without prescribing answers, Gemma raises questions about perception and point of view and the ways people connect in group and personal settings. Presented as part of the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, it complements our programme by highlighting the everyday strengths and challenges faced by people with disability.
Film Details
Country:
Australia
Category:
Open Entrant Short
Genre:
romance
Festival Year:
2019
Filmmaker:
Rafael Star
Film Transcript
She got her routine down to a fine art. At 7:30 am her day would start. Each day of the week had its own outfit, so she didn't have to think about it. Then after making her bed and getting dressed, it was on to breakfast, where her bread was always white and the only spreads she used were butter and Vegemite. Then her mum would always put her hair in a neat little bun. Gemma would sit and sew for fun, then watch reality dating TV and dream how life could be.
"I never thought I'd find love on this show but you've proved me wrong. I love you, Renee."
"Nick, all I know is that you're my soul mate, and I love you too."
"Mum! It's all just pathetic garbage."
"I don't care, I like it!"
"I bet you'd like it a lot more if you met somebody in real life."
"Well it's never gonna happen!"
"It's never going to happen if you stay hiding here forever."
"I'm not hiding, I'm just not like you."
"I'm off to the shops now. If you're going to stay in your bedroom all day you might as well do some reading, but eventually you're going to have to join the human race. Bye."
Ellie was completely swept off her feet by this perfect, handsome stranger. Her heart was pounding, her spine tingled with excitement and her cheeks radiated with passion.
(knocking on the door)
"Hello, my name's Shaun. Usually it's my dad that comes to mow your lawn but he's sick at the moment, so he's asked me to mow it for him."
"Okay."
He was handsome, but I've stuffed it up. He's still here so I can try again. But what to do and say when Shaun had finished and come to collect his pay?
(door bell) It left her in total dismay. So she imagined different scenarios inside her head and pressed play.
"Oh Shontay... mademoiselle..." No, he wouldn't speak French. So... how about it...? No... be realistic. "Gemma, will you accept this rose as a symbol of my eternal love?" "Yes I will..."
(screeching sound)
"I beg your pardon?"
"Sorry?"
"I will—what? What did you say?"
"The mowing is $40, please."
"Ohh... okay, okay. Ta."
"Would you like some iced water?"
"Sure."
"I'm Gemma, by the way."
"I'd love to have a moustache like yours. I mean... it looks great on you... I mean... I don't want a moustache. I reckon you look fine without one."
"So, why didn't your dad come today?"
"He's sick with the flu, so I'm just helping him out."
"That's good. I mean, it's not good that he's sick obviously, but it's good that you came instead."
"Yeah I know, hey, but he should be fine soon."
"Would you like to go out sometime?"
"Yes!!! ... Umm... I mean yes."
"Great! Do you like picnics?"
"Oh, sure!"
"So, I've got a baguette with cream cheese, smoked salmon and capers or a Vegemite sandwich on white bread."
"I'll take the baguette."
"Great. I was hoping you'd say that."
Filmmaker
Rafael Star is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Rafael Star.
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