About this Short Film
Willing and Disabled, directed by John Cross (Australia, 2019), considers mental health and motivation from a range of adult viewpoints. The film reflects on themes such as ADHD, depression and perception without prescribing a single explanation. Shot with a filmmaker's curiosity, it offers moments that prompt viewers to rethink assumptions about ability and illness. Presented in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, this work sits among films that highlight the strengths, challenges and everyday realities of people with disability. It is thoughtful and straightforward, inviting conversation about how we see ourselves and others. Suitable for audiences interested in mental health and documentary perspectives.
Film Details
Film Transcript
No transcript is available for this film.
Filmmaker
John Cross is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from John Cross.
An honest brave overview of how you feel and deal with depression John. Well filmed congratulations.
Hi John this documentary is incredibly powerful. I admire your strong will and bold actions in such a disadvantage situation. Many things to learn from you and people like you
A skilful piece of filmmaking which tells an inspiring and powerful story. Well worth watching and definitely deserves a vote. Well done John
Love the film the stark honesty and bravery - good luck with your entry - I think you deserve to win - again congratulations on a wonderful motivational film.
A wonderfully brave and honest insight in to your life and challenges not only you but many people face everyday. Your ability to express yourself so eloquently is a tribute to how far you have come how much you have achieved and how much you still strive toward. Great stuff John Congratulations. I look forward to seeing and supporting the next instalment of your wonderful life.
Wow Joh incredibly honest brave and open. Exactly the spirit great actors directors and producers posses. Congratulations mate your a natural and should be a part of the entertainment industry. Well done.
John its excellent Congratulations on a superb film and very inspired and motivating for your personal goals. Felicity x
John. What an incredibly courageous thing to do to open up share your life's challenges to increase awareness understanding. I only crossed paths with you for a short time. What struck me was how genuine virtuous you are as a person. I admire you greatly.
Brilliant work John Keep on following your passion
I enjoy that so much John. Suffering with depression myself I can relate with everything you had said. Well done John. Most people do not understand.
Hi john you have helped me out in when I was producing a show when the pianist forgot her sheet music and the audience was arriving with a friendly positive efficient manner. Psychotherapy not medication is what is required here for you to be the real you Happy to give you proper advice and contacts for you to heal and succeed -
Enjoyed the clip John I admire your enthusiasm and your will to succeed by ploughing through all your issues keep it up and well done.
John you a a Super person in my eye. What an inspiration what talent you have. Keep on keeping on. You are a Treasure to the world. All the best John.
Brilliant work John. Well written directed and produced. You have great strength and wonderful creativity - congratulations. Rachael
What a great inspiration for all to see.Disability is in the eyes of otherAbility is in ones own.Well done
Wonderful work John and great commitment. Such a clever title. Im betting youll win this. Either way youve won my vote
Bravo JohnYour short is beautiful and I didnt know you have so much talent. Continue my friend and I wish you all the best for your film who is moving and great.
I have known John since he was just a few months old know of the difficulties he has faced. What a fine young man he is today because he stares his difficulties head on I commend him whole heartedly. Good luck John
Brave and Inspiring work John. Your peers recognise you for your craft skill and authenticity. Keep forging ahead.
Good on you John - this is so important it is a credit to you and your family. Bravo mate.
A great production John .. Brilliant in its ability to connect at all levels. I wish you every success.
Powerful insight into the double edged sword of mental health in particular on mood disorders and their impact on ambition. A brave personal film which provokes thought and discussion around a subject so often stigmatized.
A brilliant film which demonstrates that no matter what the problem is you can always rise above it.
HI You've gotten me interested a fascinating pull in now take me on the whole trip I need to see the whole journy to your understanding so I can feel a complete journy has been made first for you and then selfishly for me. I want to see the extended DOC.. GOOD LUCK BRUCE
When people share their story it gives courage to others to do the same and for those willing to truly listen - a chance to understand. and help support change for the better. Thanks John
John your film is brave honest and moving Thank you for sharing
Brilliance scrambled is still brilliance - just as light through a stained glass window is still light just light we have never seen before. Bravo John great stuff An inspiration to us all.