Sarah's Story (Carey Baptist College, Australia, 2023) explores themes of dance, group dynamics, school life and teenage connection, presented as a tribute. Short and observant, the film celebrates movement, teamwork and creativity while reflecting the festival's aim to highlight the abilities, experiences and achievements of people with disability. It offers viewers a chance to witness young people collaborating and expressing themselves through performance, set against a familiar school context. Warm and respectful in tone, the film fits naturally within the Focus on Ability program, inviting audiences to appreciate skill, resilience and joy in shared creative work.
It began with you winning a baby competition for being such a happy baby. The judging is complete. Sarah is now the winner. Your creativity continued with finger painting games that you loved. And showed all your skills. You found your love of dance, but in your first concert there was a blackout that you did not expect, leaving you lost and disorientated on the stage. But your little friend found you, saw you and gently guided you to where you needed to be on the stage. And you were on your way. It was not easy, but the Catholic nuns made sure there was a place for you. And when your mum Julia was asked how she was coping, there were more emotions than she expected. The dance concert needed all the dancers to have rollers in their hair. And when yours got tangled, you learned the power of teamwork, when all the other dancers worked together to untangle your hair. Your love for dance continued to grow, including various styles, even belly dancing, which you engaged in with enthusiasm. And now you work with VoiceWorks, a mature age theatre company for people of all levels of ability. And now you work with VoiceWorks, a mature age theatre company for people of all levels of ability. It's our spirit that dances. It's our spirit that dances. It's our spirit that dances. It's our spirit that dances when we're daring to be.
Filmmaker
Carey Baptist College is the filmmaker behind this entry.
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Carey Baptist College.
