Inclusively-made film brings Shire community together

The production was an initiative of locally-based Bus Stop Films, an award-winning not-for-profit organisation that offers adults with intellectual disabilities and others from marginalised communities a film school experience.

Bus Stop Films partnered on the project with Cronulla-based Stellar Experiences, which provides social, recreational and community participation opportunities for 16- to 35-year-olds with mild to moderate disabilities and mental health conditions.

Pupils attended a 10-week course which culminated in a short film they wrote called Overdue being shot on location in Kurnell.

Bus Stop CEO Tracey Corbin-Matchett of Gymea said the production was a true community effort.

Kirrawee-based filmmaker and tutor from Bus Stop Films AFTRS program, Julian Neuhaus of Ironbark Films, delivered the workshops. Local small business agency Realise Business provided their seminar rooms to deliver the workshops, and Hoyts Cronulla will host the group to screen their film in July.

"With many of our Bus Stop students attending Stellar Experiences and a common ethos to empower young people living with disability, it's a brilliant partnership for both our organisations and to make an inclusively made film in my local community makes me happy both personally and professionally. Community and kindness are key parts to filmmaking," said Ms Corbin-Matchett.

Stellar Experiences Co-Founder Bronte Hendricks said: "Stellar Experiences is all about opening up new opportunities for our participants and partnering with like-minded services to make them happen. The group has loved learning about film with Bus Stop and I can't wait to see the Stellar bus and our talented team on the big screen."

The film will be entered into several short film competitions, including the Sutherland Shire Council's ShireABILITY Film Festival.

Bust Stop Films launched in 2009 and this year is hosting its largest number of students (90), and expanding its services which already span Sydney, Parramatta, Canberra, Wollongong and Brisbane to include Adelaide and the Blue Mountains.

The organisation has some exciting news: after being home-based for the past 12 years, it has signed a lease for a space at the Shopfront Arts Co-op in Carlton, where it will call 'home'.

Ms Corbin-Matchett said the group welcomed donations to help set-up its new office, and to continue to develop and host its film programs during the year. Email hello@busstopfilms.com.au to find out more.