Still Smiling (Kate Chandulal-Dee, New Zealand, 2023) is a quietly powerful short that highlights themes of achievement, motivation and the everyday realities of living with Croutzon Syndrome and hearing loss. Rather than offering easy answers, the film dwells on the effects of operations, physical disability and the small choices that keep a smile in place. It speaks to young adults and anyone interested in stories about perseverance and dignity. Presented in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, Still Smiling complements the programme with a thoughtful, human perspective on ability, reminding audiences that accomplishment often comes in unexpected forms.
Hei, I'm Kate. 137 operations, nearly died, still smiling. I'm amazing. I was born with a condition called Crouzon Syndrome that gives my face this unique, never-before-seen feature. I've had what's called a scoliosis repair with two long titanium rods down the whole of my spine. I've had craniofacial surgery, you may want to look that up, neurosurgeries, and I've had a tube in my neck from when I was 2 years old to when I was 13 years old that helps me to breathe and opens up my airway, called a trache. I have what's called hydrocephaly and I have three shunts in my brain and spine. I've got a feeding tube in my stomach because I can't eat in the normal way. And when I was 5 and 6 years old, I was in hospital again and I was fighting an infection of something called meningitis. I almost died. I only lost one thing though and that was my hearing. But luckily I got given some very special and rather snazzy hearing aids. I've had multiple eye surgeries. To summarise all together, these surgeries and many others, I have had 137 operations. Oh no, here's another one, 138. So that's all the difficult stuff that's happened to me. I want to focus on the good stuff. So as I said, I had my trache out when I was 13. That was so amazing, not only could I breathe on my own for the first time, but it opened up a whole scope of all these things I could learn to do that I had never done before. Do you know I've written four books? And had one officially published through Scholastics Publishing. It's called A Walk In My Shoe. I even got a letter from the now late Queen Elizabeth II. I've been learning to eat from when I was 14 years old. My favourite food so far is pizza. I especially love going to the beach. I've been learning to read. I've been learning to read. I've been learning to read. I've been learning to read. I've been learning to read. Even if you look different, that doesn't amount to who you are on the inside. Think of yourself like a present. After all, you are a present to the world. Others at first may judge you on your wrapping paper, how you look on the outside, but what you need to do is open yourself up. Unfold that paper by showing your amazing ability and bring that present that is your true self out. And show the world your gift. And when you're going through those difficult times in life, my advice is remember the things that there are to love. Remember what there is to reach out for. There is so much in the world. Some challenges you can't get rid of altogether, but you can use your way to move through them. The hard things in life, after all, can only make the good things shine brighter. And always remember, no matter who you are, you have a very special person and the world needs a person like you in it. Be true to yourself and enjoy the adventure of your life. Still smiling!
Filmmaker
Kate Chandulal-Dee is the filmmaker behind this entry.
See every Focus on Ability entry from
Kate Chandulal-Dee.
?
15 comments
D
Davina Partridge16/10/2023
Kate I thoroughly enjoyed your film. I admire how you manage positivity in spite of all those trips to hospital. Have you ever considered a comedy career You're quite hilarious.
S
Sandy Blenkinsop29/08/2023
You are a true ray of sunshine Kate you brighten up every room loved your heartwarming documentary keep smiling xx
S
Stephen Johnston27/08/2023
As always you are an inspiration and beacon of joy. You are still well remembered at Pak Int.
E
Elizabeth Roberts15/08/2023
What an inspirational film Kate. We absolutely love having you ride at our RDA Group at Totara Park Manukau. You are one extremely lovely young lady and an example to us all. So pleased to see you still smiling. Elizabeth Roberts President Totara Park Riding for the Disabled Assn.
J
Josh Chandulal-Mackay13/08/2023
So proud of you Kate the bravest and most positive person I know
D
Diane McNeilly13/08/2023
Kate is known to many staff at a certain School of Nursing. We are always inspired by her positivity resilience and perseverance. She has made amazing progress over recent years and this is reflected in the short movie. The best thing is her smile which she truly still has when you meet her Shes is unique and totally awesome great movie well done
J
Jill Eggleton12/08/2023
Dear Kate- a film that touched the heart . Love your positive message - we have so much in life to keep smiling about. Great to see how far you have come from the little girl I met at Starship.
B
Bridget Chandulal11/08/2023
Kate your movie is inspiring and shows the world how in spite of enormous challenges life can be lived fully and enthusiastically. So proud of you from your greatest fanMum
H
Helen McNaughton11/08/2023
That's so cool Kate I loved watching it. Helen x
F
Faye Booker11/08/2023
Kate you continue to amaze me with your resilience your passion and your ability to communicate so clearly about what matters. Thank you so much for sharing your film with us.
S
Sue Yandell11/08/2023
Well done Kate you are an inspiration.
S
Susan Macdonald10/08/2023
Every time I have anything to do with you Kate I marvel at your incredible joy for life and your positivity. The world definitely needs you...an inspiration. Your film is beautifully put together and you will definitely keep smiling.
K
Karen Clarke10/08/2023
Kate you are definitely amongst us for a reason. You are an amazing kind caring inspirational young lady. Keep smiling
S
Sheila and Roger Conington9/08/2023
Dear Kate. Brillliant film. We have followed your struggle for many years through Karen. Good luck. Keep smiling
J
Jacquelyn Jamieson8/08/2023
Darling girl Kate I've known you since you were 6 and you are the bravest person I have ever met and will ever meet. Keep smiling
Kate I thoroughly enjoyed your film. I admire how you manage positivity in spite of all those trips to hospital. Have you ever considered a comedy career You're quite hilarious.
You are a true ray of sunshine Kate you brighten up every room loved your heartwarming documentary keep smiling xx
As always you are an inspiration and beacon of joy. You are still well remembered at Pak Int.
What an inspirational film Kate. We absolutely love having you ride at our RDA Group at Totara Park Manukau. You are one extremely lovely young lady and an example to us all. So pleased to see you still smiling. Elizabeth Roberts President Totara Park Riding for the Disabled Assn.
So proud of you Kate the bravest and most positive person I know
Kate is known to many staff at a certain School of Nursing. We are always inspired by her positivity resilience and perseverance. She has made amazing progress over recent years and this is reflected in the short movie. The best thing is her smile which she truly still has when you meet her Shes is unique and totally awesome great movie well done
Dear Kate- a film that touched the heart . Love your positive message - we have so much in life to keep smiling about. Great to see how far you have come from the little girl I met at Starship.
Kate your movie is inspiring and shows the world how in spite of enormous challenges life can be lived fully and enthusiastically. So proud of you from your greatest fanMum
That's so cool Kate I loved watching it. Helen x
Kate you continue to amaze me with your resilience your passion and your ability to communicate so clearly about what matters. Thank you so much for sharing your film with us.
Well done Kate you are an inspiration.
Every time I have anything to do with you Kate I marvel at your incredible joy for life and your positivity. The world definitely needs you...an inspiration. Your film is beautifully put together and you will definitely keep smiling.
Kate you are definitely amongst us for a reason. You are an amazing kind caring inspirational young lady. Keep smiling
Dear Kate. Brillliant film. We have followed your struggle for many years through Karen. Good luck. Keep smiling
Darling girl Kate I've known you since you were 6 and you are the bravest person I have ever met and will ever meet. Keep smiling