About this Short Film
Living with dyslexia: With Asha Ray (Martin Zhong, Australia, 2019) offers a direct and humane glimpse into dyslexia through the presence of Asha Ray. Short and focused, the film highlights the challenges and strengths of a young adult navigating perception, learning and identity. It speaks plainly about medical disability without reducing the person to a label, and prompts viewers to reconsider assumptions about ability and viewpoint. Selected for the Focus on Ability festival, this short complements our programme by showcasing a personal story that is both specific and widely relevant to audiences interested in disability, resilience and everyday experience.
Film Details
Film Transcript
I think, like, in the car driving, sometimes I turn left and I start to write and they're like, "What are you doing?" I was like, "Oh, sorry, my brain just kind of went wrong for a moment." I mix up my words, or I read slowly.
The concept of time is difficult as well. I know that I've had it really hard to tell the time on an analog clock, the concept of numbers — I had no idea. When someone says a math question to me it takes me longer to come up with an answer and then they're like, "Come on, it's easy." It frustrates me a little more.
I've learnt now that because I know time is important I manage it well. I plan things in advance; I double-check everything. I like just to make sure I'll be there at the time and that will take everything. If people think I'm not listening, what fun.
At the moment I kind of feel like I work a little more. Not against people, but I feel like I have more intellect than the doctor I have. I'm not saying for that speed. There have been times when I'd be reading something and they make me feel — I don't like that word — and then that comes into my head and I'm done.
If someone came up and I was curious about what I could do to help that person, I would suggest things. But I don't like, with any disabled person, making them feel different. Well, let's see — it's a lifelong condition — so I just let this deliver it and they just accept.
Filmmaker
Martin Zhong is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Martin Zhong.
