Life in Me (Tifa Tong, New Zealand, 2023) is a compact, thoughtful film that reflects on themes of autism, cognitive processing disability and the experience of growing up. Rather than telling a fixed story, it offers moments that suggest a young person's perspective, showing how small gestures, sensory detail and everyday routines shape understanding and identity. Shot with care, the film invites viewers to slow down and notice abilities often overlooked. Included in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, Life in Me offers a sensitive, human contribution to our program, highlighting the experiences and achievements of people with disability.
Hello folks, my name is Teva Tong, you know, one of the children with autism and all. At first, I don't know what to say in this video, but I had to confess this to you. My life with autism was like a gift to me. Ever since the day I was born, and when I was born under the rain, the gentle rain, and given the name Teva, which means the gift of God. And when I found out I have autism, I heard that, I was told that people said it about me, that having autism makes me feel different, but also special. My life, my drawing, my beautiful voice, and my interest of everything I like, video games, and my entire life were all beautiful. My smile is beautiful. My happiness is beautiful. Every day, every year, and all the times whenever I felt happy, there is light. And when there is light, there are people. And when there is people, there's me. Thank you for watching.
Filmmaker
Tifa Tong is the filmmaker behind this entry.
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15 comments
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Danielle Lee28/03/2024
Sending you lots of Aroha - well done Tifa
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Cilla Brown27/03/2024
Yay Tifa Alofa atu
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Matt Brown29/08/2023
Well done. Thanks for sharing with us.
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Littlechief Jocelyn17/08/2023
Beautiful sweet baby girl
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Grace Harrison16/08/2023
Lovely to hear your beautiful voice and to understand what your name means.
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Julie Cates14/08/2023
Well done Tifa
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Lizzie Walsh14/08/2023
Beautiful well done Tifa
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Pella Perston14/08/2023
Fabulous Tifa Loved it.
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Danielle Teleiai14/08/2023
Awesome stuff Tifa - Mrs Teleiai
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Jessica Marr10/08/2023
So proud of you Tifa
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Deborah Yellowhorse9/08/2023
Tifa Thank you for sharing your beautiful voice with us.
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Lynne darroch8/08/2023
Tifa I loved listening to your voice as you shared the beauty of your life. Well done and thank you.
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Webb Mate8/08/2023
Well done Tifa so proud of contributions to this very important kaupapa topic. God bless you
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Helene Connor8/08/2023
Kia ora Tifa Your doco life in Me is so positive and affirming. You shine and so does your film Thank you
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Tyson King8/08/2023
Thank you Tifa for sharing this part of your life with us.
Sending you lots of Aroha - well done Tifa
Yay Tifa Alofa atu
Well done. Thanks for sharing with us.
Beautiful sweet baby girl
Lovely to hear your beautiful voice and to understand what your name means.
Well done Tifa
Beautiful well done Tifa
Fabulous Tifa Loved it.
Awesome stuff Tifa - Mrs Teleiai
So proud of you Tifa
Tifa Thank you for sharing your beautiful voice with us.
Tifa I loved listening to your voice as you shared the beauty of your life. Well done and thank you.
Well done Tifa so proud of contributions to this very important kaupapa topic. God bless you
Kia ora Tifa Your doco life in Me is so positive and affirming. You shine and so does your film Thank you
Thank you Tifa for sharing this part of your life with us.