Maddy mighty as she reveals struggles and dreams in own superhero movie

Filmmaker and superhero fan Maria Tran has helped Sydney schoolgirl Maddy Suy make her own movie about her struggles and her dreams.

Alan Suy is just a “regular dad” who wants his little girl to use her imagination, set her own goals and make her dreams come true.

He’s also acutely aware that nine-year-old Maddy is on borrowed time and will do anything he can to share her creativity with the world.

Enter Maria Tran, an actor and filmmaker at Phoenix Eye Films and, like Maddy, a lover of all things superheroes. She’s helped the Sydney schoolgirl make her own movie about her struggles and her dreams.

Mr Suy thinks the subliminal message in the movie may hold the key to just how much Maddy understands about her prognosis.

“In the movie, Mighty Maddy goes to the future to fight bandits, that is the cancer, and comes back with an antidote, that is the cure. Nobody told her anything. She came up with these ideas all by herself,” Mr Suy said of the film, due for release on May 11. “It means she understands her condition and is putting on such a brave face.

Maddy Suy soars in her own movie, Mighty Maddy, which helps the nine-year-old understand her DIPG prognosis.

“We all take life for granted. We often talk about how great a person is after they die. We should be celebrating the little wins every day and appreciate each other more.”

Maddy’s film is a world first.

“No other child with DIPG has used their creativity and their struggles to make a film. Even a normal kid doesn’t get this opportunity. I want to send a strong message that together we can make a difference,” Mr Suy said. “Yes, the federal Government has promised $21 million. But when is it coming? And it will be too late for girls like Maddy.”

Maddy works with Maria Tran for the Mighty Maddy film campaign.

Maddy was the face of The Sunday Telegraph’s Maddy’s Wish campaign, which successfully lobbied for funding to help find a cure for this most insidious of childhood brain cancers.

“Seeing the suffering and agony of others who have gone through this journey … it’s just unbearable,” Mr Suy said.

“The world should know about it and help change this and together we can. Death is inevitable for all of us. And Maddy’s future is no different.

“It’s so much easier for me to do it now when she’s somewhat pretty well. When I put things in perspective, the fact that we have foresight and more precious time is already a gift and I’m grateful for it.”

Maddy has already undergone surgery and in the last six months had radiation for the third time, making her one of the younger children in Australia to be given a third round. She has battled weakness in her right side and copped a few other stumbling blocks that would be enough to stop a lesser human.

But she is powering through like a superhero, determined to see her movie make it to the big screen.

“Six months ago, I had no knowledge of Maddy Suy or her condition, DIPG, or the challenges of brain cancer. However, from the moment we connected, I sensed a kindred spirit committed to making a difference,” Tran said. “I was compelled to join her mission of spreading awareness in her unique and powerful way.”

The Mighty Maddy launch will be held at the Art Gallery of NSW on May 11 at 1pm.

There’s only 300 seats available. Tickets for the free event are at www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/events/film-silent-warriors-mighty-maddy/