Inclusive filmmaking program Bus Stop Films to set up in Darwin

A ‘life changing’ inclusive filmmaking program will come to Darwin, coinciding with the Albanese government’s $42.3 million National Autism Strategy announcement. Read the details.

Bus Stop Films participant Luke with the 1st AC (First Assistant Camera) on the set of Middle Management. Picture: Supplied

The Top End’s screen industry is set to expand with the newest arrival on the scene.

Bus Stop Films, a program which aims to increase access to the film industry for people living with autism or an intellectual disability, will run its “life changing” course in Darwin this year.

The 40-week course will run from February to December every Saturday and is open to people aged 17 and over who live with an intellectual disability or autism.

Chief executive of Bus Stop Films Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM said the program involved much more than just teaching people how to make films.

Cinematographer Mikey Hamer, Director Joe Wilkie and Bus Stop Films Ambassador on the set of Middle Management. Picture: Supplied

“The program will offer people with disability a community in which to gain new skills in filmmaking, make new friends and build social connections, while improving their literacy, independence and capacity building — all delivered through a creative filmmaking program,” Ms Corbin-Matchett said.

“This program is life changing”.

During the course, participants will be involved in the entire filmmaking process, including screenwriting, production, shooting and editing.

“The films and the programs showcase the power and impact of creativity and community and the wonderful contribution of people with disability,” she said.

Many of the films produced have been screened at film festivals around the world, including here in Darwin at DIFF.

Bus Stop Film participants and actors Rae Pastuszak and Chris Bunton at Darwin International Film Festival to attend the Official Selection screening of Bus Stop Films’ Hopeful Romantic. Picture: Supplied

Bus Stop Films will partner with Charles Darwin University (CDU) to deliver the program.

Academy of Arts lecturer at CDU Abby Dunn described the program as “transformative”.

“Having seen the Bus Stop Films taster workshops last year, I witnessed first-hand the transformative impact of their programs in fostering confidence, creativity, and inclusivity,” Ms Dunn said.

Bus Stop Films Celebrity Ambassador Miguel Maestre on set with participant Ashley Kuhle and cinematographer Mikey Hamer. Picture: Supplied

Bus Stop Films’ announcement it will come to Darwin coincides with the Albanese government’s launch of the National Autism Strategy.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the $42.3 million announcement would address the unique barriers and challenges people living with autism face.

Member for Solomon Luke Gosling called the strategy a “game changer” for Territorians living with autism.

Luke Gosling said some of the National Autism Strategy funding would go to local organisations such as AutismNT. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“One in 48 people across the Northern Territory live with Autism,” Mr Gosling said.

“This funding will help give them the support they need to live their best life.

“This strategy is a game changer for the Northern Territory.”

Applications for the Bus Stop Films program can be made through https://busstopfilms.com.au/programs/

Originally published as Inclusive filmmaking program Bus Stop Films to set up in Darwin