About this Short Film
This is Jim, by Buddy Films (Australia, 2018), an intimate short documentary that follows Jim — his weekly tennis lessons, tight friendship with doubles partner Ben, work routine, family life and the small, joy‑filled moments that shape everyday independence. Told through candid voice‑overs from parents, coaches and friends, the film adopts an affectionate, observational perspective that emphasises learning, routine and community support rather than spectacle. Viewers see how sport, coaching and practical skills translate into confidence, travel and employment for Jim, who has a disability, while his humour and warmth shine throughout. Quiet, grounded and humane, This is Jim offers audiences a respectful portrait of capability and belonging, a fitting watch for Focus on Ability festival attendees.
Film Details
Country:
Australia
State:
New South Wales
Category:
Open Entrant Documentaries
Festival Year:
2018
Filmmaker:
Buddy Films
Film Transcript
Surrender was validation. My father and I were having a conversation about what his future looked like. My father said, "Look, you know you've got to try and give him something that he can excel at for the rest of his life," and with that he kept your tennis ball. He threw it to Jim and Jim just caught it. My father looked at me and went, "There you go, you can play tennis."
Basically, Jim's had a tennis lesson every week since he was eight years old. Then he met Ben through tennis; now they're best friends and play doubles together.
You couldn't stop them from going to coaching. They don't ever say, "I don't want to go to coaching." It doesn't matter whether it's 47 degrees or ten degrees. Ten years I've been coaching him. They're totally committed and engaged. Jim will often say, "It's not really raining, Mum, it's just a little bit, but I'm sure it'll stop."
I wish everyone was happy to be here and happy in life as Jim is. He's improved so much as a player and his confidence on the court — you wouldn't even know he had a disability half the time. He tends to be happy if he loses; he's happy if he wins. Tennis has really contributed to Jim's self‑esteem, developed a commitment, developed fitness, and of course the competition has given him the opportunity.
He's very clever because he gets put on the trainers' wards. He goes to Chatsworth where he catches the bus and goes to his job, which is in the cafeteria at the house with no steps. He works five days a week. He travels independently, catches the train and the bus every day. Tony takes him to the station and picks him up from the station.
I love Tony a lot because he's a lovely driver; he cares for me all the time. Don't you? We have a mutual admiration society, don't we, Jim?
Thursday is filming West and stage is purple. King Tuesday he's garbage man; day is washing day. Is everybody happy? You bet your life we are. That's just a sample, but we have lots of songs we sing. How the persitz took Jim straight after he left school into a transition to work programme as a worker.
On a serious note, his skill level has improved monumentally over the last 10 years. So not only do we hear about how happy it makes him, we actually see the benefit. Sport, I think, is a benefit for anyone, but also just having the ability to take direction, to know how to keep pushing yourself and improving on your skills — that's probably been a good crossover from tennis back to the work he's doing.
I love my mother and your mother's cooking — or is that why you put Brendan Tracy? Crazy. It's like a TV, TV something; that's the whole relationship. Jim loves going around there to prepare and cook meals with her. Jim is a foodie; he's got very refined tastes — sushi, dushi. Well, you never know what Jim is going to say; that's the best part about Jim. He comes out with one‑liners all the time. His capacity to embrace anyone is extraordinary. I think it's innocence and honesty — he's unabashed and will always tell you anything. He works hard.
So they've both been chosen for the Nationals and they've had to fly in to stay, learn to be independent and then learn to compete in quite a straight tour, which is, you know, a national competition. Ben's mums and my Andropov is that there's a world games and the next ones in Paris or something. We have this dream that we're going to take our disabled voy to Paris and they're going to play for Australia in the Special Olympics doubles.
Okay, you ready? And Jack's going to say "Action" because he's the director. Why my team still only dumb? What about me? Do I come to — it's all about you. You've got a cup. Yeah. I'm — yeah, you're it.
Filmmaker
Buddy Films is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Buddy Films.
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14 comments
Jim's enthusiam for life and happiness in totally infectious He brings joy to everyone who knows him. Beautiful story about a gentle man and a wonderful mum
Jimmy. Keeping on being amazing and beautiful. Showing us all what is actually valuable in life love and a joy for life. Thanks. This is a gorgeous film.
A marvellous short film. Truely inspiring. Good luck for the Olympics Jimmy
What a terrific short film It tells Jims story so beautifully and honestly. You see the real Jim... its not staged at all. Jim is truly such a great guy and so much fun to be around.
Fantastic inspiring story that demonstrates courage and happiness I feel we all need a bit more of Jim in our lives. Well done Jim
I love this because it is simply about the wonderful life of Jim and the great life built with him through his very inspirational network - especially his mum.
Jim you are a champion - don't ever forget I love YOU xx
You truly are an inspiration Jim. Your smile lights up a whole room. Bring on those Olympics xx
I am biased as I have a lot to do with Jim. What this film does not show is the kindness and love Jim has for all those he comes in contact with. I am 79 years old and am tough as teak but Jim never fails to move me with his thoughts for others and his ability to disarm with a kind word or action. If we had a world full of Jims what a lovely place it would be
Love this film Jim is so full of joy his cheeky comments made us laugh His commitment to his job to tennis to always trying hard at everything he does is inspirational
Five minutes of beautifully shot inspirational footage filled with hope and humour.
This is a beautifully shot short film that truly showcases Jims true self. It shows a warm sensitive young man with a big heart and even a bigger smile a true gentle giant. He has a wonderful sense of humour and love of people that endears himself to all those who know him. His friendship with his good mate Ben and their sporting adventures and achievements are truly amazing. The qualities of these young men are a reflection on the dedication and love of their parents. This film is a little gem.
I loved this film. It shows a day in the life of Jim and how he manages in life. He loves his tennis loves his routines and he loves the people in his life. His mum has done the very best for Jim showing him he can do things that other people can do. It has beautiful cinematography and is very touching. Brought a tear to my eye.
Incredibly inspiring for anyone. Jim's grandfather would be very proud of his daughter and Jim's tennis.