CinefestOZ disability inclusion workshop opening new doors in film industry

Australia’s top destination film festival will this year bring with it a brand new workshop aimed at boosting screen arts employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The annual CinefestOZ will kick off this month, including 270 flicks and events over five days, such as the prestigious Film Prize, with movies such as Nitram, pictured, included on the shortlist. Among the line-up of activities will be the Inclusion in Action training workshop, which aims to educate participants on the correct discourse and practices to undertake when working with people with disabilities to accommodate different needs and spearhead employment opportunities. CinefestOZ film manager Chanel Bowen, who lives with disability, said she was proud to bring the training to WA film practitioners. She said the event would be helpful to all participants regardless of whether they had lived experience with disability. “I know first-hand what practitioners may have experienced within our industry, and with Inclusion in Action, we hope to take a step towards preventing people from feeling uncomfortable in their own workplace,” she said. “It is imperative we help to offer an educational platform for practitioners to develop their awareness of cast, crew, and stories of disability.” Disability Services Minister Don Punch said the event would benefit the festival for years to come. Paralympian Paul Nunnari will host the workshop with Bus Stop Films CEO Tracey Corbin-Machett.