Titled Life's Better With Michael, this short film from Kyabram P-12 College (Australia, 2023) appears in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival. With themes of child and teenage life, individuality, goals, intellectual and physical disability and school, it offers a clear, respectful glimpse into the day-to-day world of young people who use a walker and navigate learning environments. The film highlights personal goals and participation without prescribing a single narrative. It is a thoughtful contribution to the programme that encourages audiences to reflect on inclusion, support and the small moments that shape school life.
What do you do every day, Michael? Do some work. And do you go to Calabrian P12 school? Yeah. Do you like it at school? Yeah. Yeah? Yeah. Yeah? Yeah. Yeah? Yeah. Yes. Any other hobbies? Well, not really. But I've been drinking lately, no where to escape it, maybe we should start it up. Better, we know we'd be better together. Better, that's it, let's get going again. Better, we know, we'd be better together. Better, we know, we'd be better together. Yeah. Michael because he's nice. Michael means a lot to me. He is like my best friend. I think he's a really good guy. He plays with me and I like it. He means a lot to me because he helps me with stuff. What he really does for me is brighten my day. When I see him walking into the classroom in his walker and then he's moved to whatever group we're working with, he empowers me to get up every morning. He's such a beauty. Michael loves to have fun. He really enjoys playing outside with his friends. His favourite activity is the home corner during discovery time and he really puts in a huge effort with all of his work. He really tries his best all of the time and strives to be better than yesterday. I was lucky enough to teach Michael last year in his prep year, so his first year of schooling and he's an amazingly resilient little boy, full of spunk, full of humour, just fit into our classroom and just wanted to be like everybody else. He always had a smile on his face so he greeted us each morning when he came in the door and it just made our day. We know we'll be better together. Better together. Better together. My hopes for my brother's future is to be included. My dreams for Michael's future are for him to do whatever he wants to do because I know in this world there's a way for everyone and if anybody's going to find their way, it's this kid. He's amazing. He is an amazing person and I would love for everybody to continually have that support behind him and to have his friends rally around him each and every day just like they are doing now. I really hope that Michael lives a happy life. He's such a smiley, resilient person and I hope that he achieves all the things that he wants to. What do you want to be when you grow up, Michael? A policeman. Fantastic. You'll be so helpful to the community. Have you ever seen a policeman doing his work? Yeah. Yeah? What do they do? They really help us keep safe, don't they? And they might call Michael.
Filmmaker
Kyabram P-12 College is the filmmaker behind this entry.
See every Focus on Ability entry from
Kyabram P-12 College.
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19 comments
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Alex Sim23/08/2023
Such an amazing video I found it so inspirational Congratulations to everyone involved
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Doreen Wessel23/08/2023
Excellent.
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Lottie Jenkins23/08/2023
Great film made me very happy good job everyone
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Vicky FRAMPTON23/08/2023
You are such an inspiration Michael
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Erica Maguire20/08/2023
Keep doing your best Michael youre getting stronger everyday You inspire me
K
Kristen Elliott18/08/2023
Wowincredibly powerful video. Your amazing Michael. Well done Ky P-12..Sue and all staff involved in producing and submitting.
M
Marina Walsh17/08/2023
So inspiring Michael You are amazing.
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Donna Baldwin17/08/2023
Always uplifting to see schools doing the important things well and celebrating them. Thanks for sharing your story Michael
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Vonda Meloni17/08/2023
Wow absolutely loved this what an amazing inspirational little boy your are Michael. Keep kicking those goals Michael anything is possible. Well done to ky p12 in making this video.
K
Kayla Coombs16/08/2023
Way to go Michael We love seeing your happy face and the beautiful relationships you have with your friends
A
Ainslee Kelley16/08/2023
You are truly amazing Michael A heart of gold so happy so resilient What a wonderful film to capture some of the great things you do can achieve. I love watching you grow flourish in all aspects. A big shout out to his family his friends our staff
M
Melissa Northausen16/08/2023
Way to go Michael Your infectious smile as you face through the school gate in the morning always brightens my day Youre a legend
M
Mangan Sarah16/08/2023
I taught Michael in PE when he was in Prep. This film makes me so happy He is surrounded by a great team in an environment that is learning from Michael. Students teachers and community are learning to be inclusive. This little boy is powerful Well done
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Trish Deakin16/08/2023
What an uplifting piece from this young man - just when I needed to grab a smile as well Can we have a part 2 soon please and yearly updates as well Thanks for sharing your story Michael and also to those who assisted to tell it.
S
Stephanie C16/08/2023
Resilience and happiness- two key components to being successful in life Loved the backing track from an ex P-12 student - very fitting
S
Sheryl Hatch16/08/2023
What a great attitude and lots of friends that adore him. No judging and lots of inclusion. Job well done Ky P12
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Brooke Cleveland16/08/2023
Your amazing Michael Your smile always brightens my day. Keep being you buddy
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Leah Summers16/08/2023
Kicking goals Michael such a beautiful soul a photo or video pops up of u at just the right time usually when I'm feeling down and u make me smile with ur unique and positive attitude to life
L
Leeanne Crilly16/08/2023
Simply Beautiful this brought me to tears the positive and emotional interaction between Michael and his school friends teachers and family can be seen and felt in this inspiring film Well done
Such an amazing video I found it so inspirational Congratulations to everyone involved
Excellent.
Great film made me very happy good job everyone
You are such an inspiration Michael
Keep doing your best Michael youre getting stronger everyday You inspire me
Wowincredibly powerful video. Your amazing Michael. Well done Ky P-12..Sue and all staff involved in producing and submitting.
So inspiring Michael You are amazing.
Always uplifting to see schools doing the important things well and celebrating them. Thanks for sharing your story Michael
Wow absolutely loved this what an amazing inspirational little boy your are Michael. Keep kicking those goals Michael anything is possible. Well done to ky p12 in making this video.
Way to go Michael We love seeing your happy face and the beautiful relationships you have with your friends
You are truly amazing Michael A heart of gold so happy so resilient What a wonderful film to capture some of the great things you do can achieve. I love watching you grow flourish in all aspects. A big shout out to his family his friends our staff
Way to go Michael Your infectious smile as you face through the school gate in the morning always brightens my day Youre a legend
I taught Michael in PE when he was in Prep. This film makes me so happy He is surrounded by a great team in an environment that is learning from Michael. Students teachers and community are learning to be inclusive. This little boy is powerful Well done
What an uplifting piece from this young man - just when I needed to grab a smile as well Can we have a part 2 soon please and yearly updates as well Thanks for sharing your story Michael and also to those who assisted to tell it.
Resilience and happiness- two key components to being successful in life Loved the backing track from an ex P-12 student - very fitting
What a great attitude and lots of friends that adore him. No judging and lots of inclusion. Job well done Ky P12
Your amazing Michael Your smile always brightens my day. Keep being you buddy
Kicking goals Michael such a beautiful soul a photo or video pops up of u at just the right time usually when I'm feeling down and u make me smile with ur unique and positive attitude to life
Simply Beautiful this brought me to tears the positive and emotional interaction between Michael and his school friends teachers and family can be seen and felt in this inspiring film Well done