Focus on Ability Short Film Festival
Options Theatre Company are very excited to be part of the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival.
Options Theatre Company’s short film ‘Remote’ has been accepted as an entry in the Australian Open Entry Short Film Category.
The Focus on Ability Short Film Festival asks film makers to ‘Focus on the Ability’ of people with a disability and tell a story on film for the world to view.
Films are judged by a professional judging panel and subject to an online voting process, with separate prizes for each category.
NOVA Employment are the sponsors of the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival and the 2022 festival is set to be the biggest yet, with $100,000 worth of cash and prizes on offer to encourage film makers and people with disability to tell their stories.
Options Theatre Company’s Short Film entry was Directed by Artistic Director, Stuart Smith who collaborated with the Options Theatre Company Ensemble to film, edit and produce a stunning short film titled, ‘Remote’.
The Short Film, ‘Remote’ is an artistic depiction of life in lockdown from the perspective of people with disabilities. The film features Actor, Nathan Parker in the Lead Role. Tanya Thurlby is also featured as the Auslan interpreter, with the entire theatre company ensemble being involved in the project.
A remote control becomes Nathan’s only companion in his current stop/start world.
The inclusive ensemble of creatives at Options Theatre Company reflect on finding hope in this uncertain time.
We are honoured to be involved in such a highly esteemed International Film Festival. The Focus on Ability Short Film Festival actively promotes inclusivity and visibility for people with disability in the film industry.
THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG
The soundtrack of ‘Remote’ is ‘Don’t Give Up’ originally performed by International Music Legends, Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush.
This song became an anthem for Options Theatre Company during the 2021 lockdowns. The Options Theatre Company ensemble regularly performed this song during ZOOM Online Rehearsals and learnt to sign the lyrics in Auslan.
Options Theatre Company’s Music Director, Andrew Sampford and talented female vocalist, Amy Vee lent their voices to the Options Theatre Company recording of the song.
Options Theatre Company reached out to the original artist, Peter Gabriel and sent him the video.
After viewing it, Peter sent the ensemble a lovely message.
“Really enjoyed it – lots of cool ideas.
Great job!
Thanks”
Peter
Peter Gabriel’s Music Company, Real World Music, also contacted Options Theatre Company to give them official approval for the use of ‘Don’t Give Up’ in the ‘Remote’ Short Film.
VOTING IS NOW CLOSED
To view Options Theatre Company’s Short Film – ‘Remote’ in the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival visit:
https://www.focusonability.com.au/FOA/films/2725.html
