We are pleased to present My Surprising Little Boy, a short film by Hiep Maher from Australia (2023). Quiet and compassionate, the film explores themes around a young person's life with a congenital disability, medical treatment, school and therapy. It invites viewers to reflect on the daily realities, supports and challenges that shape childhood and adolescence when health and development intersect. The film sits naturally within the Focus on Ability festival, offering a respectful, human glimpse into diverse abilities and the systems that surround them. Attentive filmmaking and honest moments make this a thoughtful contribution to conversations about inclusion and care.
Okay, this one's for Gabby. Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high And the dreams that you dream of Once in a lullaby High on a tower, over the rainbow Bluebirds fly And the dreams that you dream of Dream really do come true Someday you wish upon a star Wake up where the clouds are far behind Beware trouble melts like lemon drops High above the chimney top, that's where You'll find me, oh Somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly And the dreams that you dare to Oh why, oh why can't I? I, well I see trees of green and red roses too I'll watch them bloom for me and you And I think to myself, what a wonderful world Well I see skies of blue and I see clouds of white And the brightness of day I like the dark and I think to myself What a wonderful world The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky Are also on the faces of people passing by I see friends shaking hands saying How do you do? They're really saying I, I love you I hear babies cry and I watch them grow They'll learn much more than we'll know And I think to myself What a wonderful world Someday you wish upon a star Wake up where the clouds are far behind Me, well trouble melts like lemon drops High above the chimney top That's where you'll find me, oh Somewhere over the rainbow Way up high And the dream that you dare to Why, oh why can't I? I, ooh Ooh
Filmmaker
Hiep Maher is the filmmaker behind this entry.
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Hiep Maher.
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9 comments
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Genevieve Roberts23/08/2023
Love you to the moon and back Liam and Hiep Li you are an epic little warrior and never cease to amaze you face every challenge head on and you succeed you have done this since birth and that makes you in my eyes a superstar keep shining Liam you bring so much love and light into this sometimes dark world and your family are just as beautiful and special xox
C
Camilla Owens17/08/2023
Hiep is an amazing beautiful intelligent and caring woman that I've ever known well done Hiep you're an inspiration Liam is an amazing and inspirational boy who have an amazing personality and have awesome parents God will always keep you safe bless you on your amazing journey well done Hiep and Steve
C
Cora Heid16/08/2023
Just beautiful Help. Brought me to tears. You are such great parents and Liam is adorable and will always love you from the depth of his heart just like your love for him. Nothing can break those ties.Well done
K
Kym Sivewright16/08/2023
What a triumphant story. A beautiful happy resilient family.
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Van Anh16/08/2023
A little boy has a powerful mental in my heart. I admired him for struggling to overcome these days he faced heavy pains in hospital. I wish you always have a peace happiness life. Love Liam
J
Janiece Bone16/08/2023
Amazing journey as bright as a shining star
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Lyn Maloney16/08/2023
A remarkable boy with remarkable loving parents. They have been through so much together.
J
Julie Snow16/08/2023
Liam is such a joy Hiep and Steve should be congratulated they are amazing parents to a very special young man. Great work Hiep with your movie we love it
E
Elizabeth Mackney16/08/2023
I am so lucky to have known Liams mum from before he came into the world and then to see the joy wonder and strength he has brought into her world and to everyone who has the privilege of knowing him. Congratulations to you all on a gorgeous film
Love you to the moon and back Liam and Hiep Li you are an epic little warrior and never cease to amaze you face every challenge head on and you succeed you have done this since birth and that makes you in my eyes a superstar keep shining Liam you bring so much love and light into this sometimes dark world and your family are just as beautiful and special xox
Hiep is an amazing beautiful intelligent and caring woman that I've ever known well done Hiep you're an inspiration Liam is an amazing and inspirational boy who have an amazing personality and have awesome parents God will always keep you safe bless you on your amazing journey well done Hiep and Steve
Just beautiful Help. Brought me to tears. You are such great parents and Liam is adorable and will always love you from the depth of his heart just like your love for him. Nothing can break those ties.Well done
What a triumphant story. A beautiful happy resilient family.
A little boy has a powerful mental in my heart. I admired him for struggling to overcome these days he faced heavy pains in hospital. I wish you always have a peace happiness life. Love Liam
Amazing journey as bright as a shining star
A remarkable boy with remarkable loving parents. They have been through so much together.
Liam is such a joy Hiep and Steve should be congratulated they are amazing parents to a very special young man. Great work Hiep with your movie we love it
I am so lucky to have known Liams mum from before he came into the world and then to see the joy wonder and strength he has brought into her world and to everyone who has the privilege of knowing him. Congratulations to you all on a gorgeous film