A Gift (2020), film still

About this Short Film

Zoe Fraser's A Gift (Australia, 2020) is a short film that looks at perception and individuality through the lenses of Aspergers and cognitive processing disability. Rather than offering neat answers, it invites viewers to consider how a simple gesture may be seen differently depending on who is looking. The film speaks to teenagers and those who care for them, but its themes of viewpoint and understanding have broader appeal. Presented in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, A Gift contributes to conversations about ability, difference and the everyday moments that shape how we relate to one another.

Film Details

Country: Australia
Genre: Personal Story
Festival Year: 2020
Filmmaker: Zoe Fraser

Film Transcript

[Luca] My name is Luca, and I have a gift. One in every 250 people has my gift, and this gift is Asperger's. (electricity buzzing) I was diagnosed with high-functioning Asperger's when I was six. This meant that life wasn't going to be easy for me. I struggle with everyday norms that neurotypical people wouldn't consider.

The problems I face daily are difficulty with social communications and interactions. (slow guitar music) (woman sighing) (water sloshing) I have an extreme focus on specific topics of interest and hypersensitivity to the senses. (clock ticking) I struggle with empathy and I engage with stereotyped repetitive behaviour.

The reason I face these problems is because my brain interprets the world differently. It's kind of like my superpower. Even though my superpower can become overwhelming sometimes, I have learnt to embrace it through drawing, nature and music. (classical music plays) (hip-hop beat plays) I have learnt to love my gift and I hope you learn to love it too.

Filmmaker

Zoe Fraser is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Zoe Fraser.

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26 comments
J
Janet Greeley 22/12/2020

A beautiful film. Rich in insight wisdom and love. A real winning combination. Congratulations Zoe.

R
Robbi MacKee 25/09/2020

So elegantly sensitively done Zoe a beautiful piece of visual art and education. Well done huge congratulations

D
Dee Anderson 24/09/2020

Really nice.

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Malcolm Bell 23/09/2020

Luca has more than just one gift... a loving and talented sister and wonderful and caring parents to name just two others Congratulations.

J
Jason Sharpe 23/09/2020

This is a beautiful video that enables me to better understand what it is like to have this gift. Would love a collection of these to better understand other types of people as well. Thank you to the author of this video for giving us this gift.

B
Bella Boone 22/09/2020

This is such an amazing visual way of learning about another person and they way they operate I love it

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Lynne Cousins 22/09/2020

What a great short Embrace your brain it will empower you to achieve great things.

D
Daniel Salerno 22/09/2020

An absolutely beautiful way to demonstrate something that some people may not understand

J
Judy Vickress 20/09/2020

Such an inspirational film about a subject that extremely complex individual often so misunderstood. The use of colour movement design imagery and self explanation combine to simply explain the challenges coping skills of a brave individual. A brilliant effort by the filmmaker Great skills and insight

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Ann Banbury 18/09/2020

Congratulations Zoe excellent work thoroughly enjoyed it. Very creative showing empathy and understanding that is so much needed.

R
Rubel Rahman 18/09/2020

Its a great movie A great educational tool for parents and people have no understanding of this gift can potentially be wasted If not nourished of course.

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GOLAM ZILANI 18/09/2020

Excellent Work Well done Zoe.

I
Ivy Packham 18/09/2020

Wonderful work Zoe. I loved it. Congratulations. So impressive and creative and informative. Luka adorable - as ever. Both gifted

B
Ben Fraser 16/09/2020

Honestly fantastic Very insightful beautifully done and a great watch will be sharing

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Paula Macleod 16/09/2020

Excellent well done gave great insight into Asperger helped me clarify.

M
Mathis Engel 16/09/2020

A beautiful story that encompasses many values so needed today.The compassion for self and others being just some.

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Diane Tatum 16/09/2020

A powerful short film that transports you inside a gifted young man's mind and heart.

A
Alec Gardner 16/09/2020

Beautifully put together and conveyed such a strong and positive message with great care and thought.

J
Jean Pringle 16/09/2020

A beautiful and informative presentation. Very well delivered Thank you.

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Frank French 16/09/2020

What an excellent film. Very enlightening and helps bring a better understanding. Well done.

A
Ann fraser 16/09/2020

A moving family study of a common disability imperfectly understood by most of us. Should be shown widely

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Helen Thomas 15/09/2020

An incredibly insightful film demystifying this way of seeing the world. Incredible use of living graphics to help communicate the message.

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William Reece 15/09/2020

What a great heartfelt film. Wonderful message beautifully constructed.

A
Andar Gunneberg 15/09/2020

A moving and innovative introduction to the gift of Aspberger's.

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JULIE LEAL 15/09/2020

I really enjoyed the sound and animation with facts. Great message thoughtfully delivered.

M
Margaret Mcsherry 15/09/2020

Loved the graphics narration information and positive Message .. hope it reaches lots of people. Well done.

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