A video project focusing on a popular cooking program at a Yarraville school has been shortlisted for a national film award.
Yarraville Special Developmental School entered The CAN teens in the Focus on Ability short film festival.
The film caught the eye of the judges and has been shortlisted in the documentary category.
Teacher Greg Gozdz said the project was largely driven by student Christopher.
“Christopher was very interested in doing some video work – he really loves shooting video of his friends at the school,” Mr Gozdz said. “Focus on Ability was coming up so we decided to make a short film project.”
The resulting five-minute film focuses on the school’s weekly canteen program, in which senior students go shopping and prepare food for other students.
Mr Gozdz said the film had been a chance for the students to take pride in what they do, while also offering a glimpse into the school for the wider community.
“People don’t always really understand who we are or what we do here,” he said. “We have got some really lovely footage of the kids being relaxed and really enjoying themselves.”
The Focus on Ability awards are designed to encourage filmmakers to focus on the abilities of people with disabilities.
Mr Gozdz hopes people will take the time to view the school’s film online and vote for it in the viewers’ choice section. The film receiving the most votes will win a $10,000 sports equipment voucher.
Voting closes on August 7 at www.focusonability.com.au.
