Cairns actor Hayden Keable wins international award for role in short comedy film ‘Chesters’

An unheralded Aussie actor may not play the main character but he is stealing the show.

ARC Disability Support Services creative arts co-ordinator Karen Jackson, actor Hayden Keable and Yarner creative producer Jannah Dryden celebrate Mr Keable's first individual international film award. Photo: J Create Photography

Far North actor Hayden Keable may not play the main character, but he stole the show to win a prestigious international film award.

Mr Keable, who has Down syndrome, was awarded the Most Impressive Supporting Performance at the Screen It International Film Festival for his role in the short comedy film, Chesters, directed by Far North filmmakers Yarner.

Chesters is an inclusive comedy that tells the tale of Shaun’s absurd first day of work which goes hilariously wrong as he uncovers the shady dealings behind the company’s facade.

Cairns actor Hayden Keable, was awarded the Most Impressive Supporting Performance at the Screen It International Film Festival for his role in the short comedy film, Chesters, created by Far North filmmakers Yarner. Photo: J Create Photography

Mr Keable, who plays supporting character Roy, said he enjoyed making connections with people during filming.

“I had a lot of fun working with my friends on set,” Mr Keable said.

Yarner creative producer Jannah Dryden saw Mr Keable perform as a lead in short film The Do’s and Don’ts of Getting Married created by ARC Disability Services.
The film was then selected to screen at the BAFTA and Academy Award qualifying film festivals and was screened nationally and internationally.

Ms Dryden said she headhunted him to play Roy.

“I watched The Do’s and Don’ts and was like, he’s perfect. So we made some adjustments to the script, and he really brought it to life,” Ms Dryden said.

Chesters has made its way around the national and international Short Film circuit, picking up a number of awards along the way.

Cairns actor Hayden Keable has been awarded "Most Impressive Supporting Performance" at the prestigious Screen It International Film Festival for his role in the short comedy film, Chesters, created by FNQ filmmaker Jannah Dryden. Photo: Supplied.

Mr Keable said Ms Dryden surprised him with news of his win in a “very cheeky” way.

“She told my parents and they parked the car at the front of my house and she came from behind other car and jumped at me,” he said.

After the initial shock, Mr Keable said he felt very happy and excited at the news.

“I felt very proud of myself,” he said.

Ms Dryden said she was very proud of his achievement and was taken away by his commitment and dedication to the role.

ARC Disability Services support worker Paul Durdin, actor Hayden Keable and ARC Disability Support Services creative arts co-ordinator Karen Jackson, celebrate Mr Keable's first individual international film award. Photo: J Create Photography

“He’s been on film sets before so he has the experience, he knows the hours we work and he was just so good with it all,” she said.

ARC Disability Services creative arts co-ordinator Karen Jackson said the organisation, including Mr Keable’s support worker Paul Durdin, helped to support independent pathways for artists on projects such as Chesters.

“We loved supporting Hayden as an actor on Chesters,” Ms Jackson said.

Chesters does not have a current release date for the public, however it has been submitted to local film festivals for consideration.

Originally published as Cairns actor Hayden Keable wins international award for role in short comedy film ‘Chesters’