Life in Me (Tifa Tong, New Zealand, 2023) is a compact, thoughtful film that reflects on themes of autism, cognitive processing disability and the experience of growing up. Rather than telling a fixed story, it offers moments that suggest a young person's perspective, showing how small gestures, sensory detail and everyday routines shape understanding and identity. Shot with care, the film invites viewers to slow down and notice abilities often overlooked. Included in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, Life in Me offers a sensitive, human contribution to our program, highlighting the experiences and achievements of people with disability.
Hello folks, my name is Teva Tong, you know, one of the children with autism and all. At first, I don't know what to say in this video, but I had to confess this to you. My life with autism was like a gift to me. Ever since the day I was born, and when I was born under the rain, the gentle rain, and given the name Teva, which means the gift of God. And when I found out I have autism, I heard that, I was told that people said it about me, that having autism makes me feel different, but also special. My life, my drawing, my beautiful voice, and my interest of everything I like, video games, and my entire life were all beautiful. My smile is beautiful. My happiness is beautiful. Every day, every year, and all the times whenever I felt happy, there is light. And when there is light, there are people. And when there is people, there's me. Thank you for watching.
Filmmaker
Tifa Tong is the filmmaker behind this entry.
See every Focus on Ability entry from
Tifa Tong.
