About this Short Film
"The Sunshine Squad" (Sunshine Beach State High School Learning Centre, Australia, 2020) is included in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival. The film explores themes including congenital disability, intellectual disability, school life, skills, support, teachers and employment-related goals. Created by a school learning centre, it examines teenagers, skill development, planning for the future, teamwork and support. Where story details are not disclosed, the work still aligns with the festival’s aim to showcase the abilities, experiences and achievements of people with disability. Warm, positive and community-minded, the film invites audiences to recognise potential and purpose.
Film Details
Film Transcript
Chloe is caring and just really sweet. She's got that good personality; she cares about everyone and makes you smile when you feel sad just by talking to you about her holidays and stuff. She's going to get a job at the shop, so I would be happy for Chloe. I think she's going into fashion, like all that sort of stuff, 'cuz she's passionate about shopping and fashion. She designed her own skirt—did you see that? Chloe really enjoys doing gymnastics. She's creative and she loves doing art. She wants to go shopping all the time. She likes watching movies and working at IGA.
My name's Zoe. I'm the produce manager here at the IGA. She's a bit of a bundle of joy to be around, very eager to try things, even if her face says differently, but we get there in the end. She loves singing and horse riding and all that sort of stuff. She does some weird dances at lunch if you get her. She's kind, nice, helpful and very funny. Honestly, I think she could get into performing arts.
Eli is a good friend. He's a really good dancer and I like when I dance with him; he just brings a lot of energy to it. He's strong and good at lifting weights. He likes weight lifting and dancing. I think he's going to become famous 'cuz he's really good at lifting weights and stuff; he's like a gym junkie. He likes playing footy with Wade. They're willing to give up their chairs when there's nothing left for the girls. They're best mates.
Wade is a nice friend and very kind. Wade-o, he's a real gentleman 'cuz he pushes trolleys down for eight hours. He's a real hard-working man who really likes to earn the money and stuff. Wade's strong. Wade loves food and fishing. He can be anything he wants to be. And he's handsome.
Zara is a really good friend to me. She likes playing with animals. She can speak different languages; I think she can travel. She likes doing craft and is good at cooking, like doing gluten-free things—she's really good at that sort of thing. Zara is always caring and friendly towards everyone and is always checking in to see how everyone's going. She's good at lots of stuff; I can't name one thing. She's very fit and always there for you when you need her. She puts you first even if she's having a bad day.
Lori, well, I think she wants to be a dancer. When she performs in front of other people, she always brings joy and happiness to others who need help. She loves drawing. She likes making things and sewing. She loves animals so much. She's friendly, nice and kind. She brushes her hair day and night; in the afternoon she's really good at that. She has a kindness of heart and has shown compassion towards others.
We will certainly miss you. We got love that will never need to hide. Love will always rise above. Whatever comes, we will be just fine. If I'm yours and you are mine, take my hand and let's fly away to another galaxy. Hold me close. I want to feel your love. Together we are free. Just be with me.
Filmmaker
Sunshine Beach State High School (Learning Centre) is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Sunshine Beach State High School (Learning Centre).
Fantastic film of them all. Great filming and narrating that show cases a great bunch of beautiful humans.
Just watched your amazing video again. It always makes me teary but also excited for your futures. Well done to you all - you should be very proud of the wonderful young adults you've become. You all deserve the best. Enjoy graduation and keep me in the loop
Congratulations Great doco that I willShare with my husband who is a high school film tv teacher - Im sure his students will love it too
Loved this What a beautiful learning environment for these students to flourish in. Credit to the students and their teachers.
Fantastic kids . Love.This film
A beautiful group of young adults. Just loved the film. Miss your lovely faces
So well done very talented
Such an inspiration and great example of positive framing 3
Such beautiful friendships
Amazing. Can we get these young adults to teach the multitudes about living in harmony and respect for others. They are a credit to the school and most importantly themselves. The future looks bright
Beautiful
Just loved it. Do talented and so much effort gone into it
What a beautiful group of kids with gorgeous big hearts x
Touching
Loved this film a great group of caring friends with many wonderful skills and qualities.
Awesome to watch these superstars theyre all amazing. I wish I was part of the Sunshine Squad
What a cool bunch of kids
I was smiling throughout this uplifting film watching this group of naturally genuine and kind people.
What a great bunch of kids they are all going to do so well
Wonderful hard working staff
My classmates from SLC last year. They made my school time fun and I liked school. I miss them.
Wonderful capture of positive lovely young adults
What a wonderful group of friends So proud of you all.
Congratulations guys very professional production. What a talented bunch you are and wonderful friends to each other.