About this Short Film
Daniel De Luca, from Solar Pictures (Australia, 2014), is an intimate short that follows Danny, who has autism, through a tense public encounter and quiet reflections on communication, support and everyday resilience. Presented largely in Danny’s direct voice, it captures the frustration of misread body language, the relief of clear, straightforward speech, and the steady presence of his carer, Garth, as he navigates study, noisy spaces and people’s judgement. The tone is candid and humane rather than didactic, offering an accessible window onto lived experience that will resonate with general audiences, students, carers and anyone interested in inclusive storytelling. A thoughtful, person-centred contribution to the Focus on Ability programme.
Film Details
Film Transcript
Hi, I'm Danny and people say I'm different. Name Daniel DeLuca, 205 Worthington Road, East Melbourne, Victoria, postcode 3184.
Identification, please.
Doctors say I have autism. It's high functioning autism, so I can communicate; I just have problems reading body language.
Sir, if you can't provide your identification I'll need you to step aside, you're holding everyone up.
I can't hold them up. There's too many of them. I have trouble understanding what people mean when they talk. I just need them to talk straight, to say what they mean so I can understand it, and then I can't, and they get frustrated and they yell, and then I don't like the loud and the noise.
The free post-grad barbecue will begin in 10 minutes. They go around in my head, they just bounce around in my head and it's scary. Can be scary. Every day is a challenge, every day.
But when people touch me, when Garth comes in — "Rough day, champ" — that's my carer and I don't know where I'd be without Garth. He's just there when I need him the most.
I should know better. You're trying for your masters in computer science, mate; it's always going to be tough ever again.
All my life I've had to deal with everyone judging me, and I've had enough. I'll never come back here again.
You just can't give up, not after everything you've achieved so far.
What other choice do I have? I don't get a choice. I'll have autism until the day I die and Garth can't be there to save me every time. It's other people that have a choice, not me.
Excuse me, Daniel, step over to this desk, I'll give you a hand. Okay, let's see if we can find this identification.
I'm not ashamed of the way I am. I'm not embarrassed about what I have. There are people that need a lot more help than me. I just, I just need that little bit and then I'm more than independent. I'm more than fine. I'm happy. I'm happy. My name's Danny and I have autism.
Thank you, sir.
Filmmaker
Solar Pictures is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Solar Pictures.
Good On You Man. You Have The Right Attitude Don't Ever Lose It