Tom Lefroy's The Chief Joy Officer (Australia, 2023) is a short film included in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival. Rather than telling a fixed story, it explores themes of achievement, independence and inclusion through the viewpoints of adults and families affected by intellectual and medical disability. The film brings attention to Pitts-Rogers-Danks Syndrome and the research that surrounds it, while asking audiences to rethink perception and what makes someone a hero. Warm, clear and respectful in tone, this work sits comfortably alongside others in the festival that celebrate ability, resilience and individuality.
You Everyone loves a superhero, right? This is a story about my uncle Bruce and his superpowers Bruce has a rare ability not many people have it the power to sprinkle joy wherever he goes In our family Bruce is the CJO otherwise known as the chief joy officer He's always had this wonderful. I sort of I want to check what everyone's doing. I want to be with people He is infectious and he's got a wonderful He's a gorgeous boy His sense of humor is unmatched. I don't think I could ever raise the bar that high Bruce finds joy in lots of things, but especially trains boats helicopters really anything that moves As well as his family friends kids playing and most of all ABBA One fact about Bruce is that he has Pitts Rogers Dank syndrome, which is a very rare condition When Bruce was a kid not much was understood about this The way people saw disability was different back then We always knew there was a problem because he wasn't a trouble to anyone They just thought he wasn't learning as well as he might I think and it wasn't until he was in his 30s We got the actual diagnosis, you know a dozen people in Australia have that it's quite rare It's a darling boy But that didn't stop Bruce's superpowers from developing while others underestimated him Bruce was out there doing what he does best being the people's champion When you refuse to let someone put you in a box you discover amazing abilities that defy expectations Bruce's career as a professional joy spreader started when he was a young boy Make sure there's no chill going in there Awesome Bruce's other family is his housemates Their house is managed by focus a brilliant organization that provides individualized support services for people with disabilities By night Bruce is a tidy one the peace seeker and a joyful calming presence By day, he works at the op shop bringing a smile to everyone's face He's still learning in his 50s there's been a lot of skills that he's learnt that he didn't previously have It's pretty amazing to see him continuing to grow and continuing to try new things My uncle even inspired the establishment of the Bruce Lafroice Center at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute Come on, it doesn't get much more Bruce Wayne than that does it? What a superhero Uncle Bruce has come today to meet the directors and Erica who has been helped by the research done at the Bruce Lafroice Center We do research that aims to find problems in the clinic and solve them and make a difference for people So we find potential treatments and test them in people with genetic conditions I've worked in the lab. I didn't have any patient contact at all now I've been able to interact with people like Bruce and it's really opened my eyes to what drives Families with people with genetic conditions. I can see what you mean about chief joy officer I'm sure you are the superhero of your family I was diagnosed with Friedrich's ataxia when I was around 15. There's very only a couple of hundred of other people in Australia which Going through the same thing can feel a little bit Isolating so with the research and everything the fact there's such big team behind it again. It's been validating I guess that You know, I'm not by myself It took 35 years for Bruce to receive his diagnosis Young people today are diagnosed within a few days and have better access to care for themselves and their families He inspires those close to him to find the joy in the everyday because of my uncle I will never doubt my own abilities and neither should you Move over Bruce Wayne. This is Bruce Lafroice my uncle and our hero You You
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39 comments
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Celia Hirsh6/03/2024
How wonderful to meet Bruce Hes just as amazing as his sister said he was all those years ago that we worked together. What a beautiful family
S
Sara Shaw7/10/2023
What a great film. Well done Tom.
K
Katherine Rossetti29/08/2023
Wonderful testament to family love and bring joy with every day.
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Gabriel M23/08/2023
What an absolute hero This is inspiring.
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Sarah Bedggood22/08/2023
A joyous story Congratulations Tom and Bruce. Your grandmother would be so happy.
L
Lisa Collis21/08/2023
I was thoroughly engrossed in this short movie so much love and emotion has been shown. I found it very moving. Well done Tom you show great talent
D
Dillip Kumar Mishra21/08/2023
The Chief Joy Officer is well directed and narrated in a very lucid and convincing manner.
A
Allyson Jaschke21/08/2023
Tom what a beautiful job you have done in capturing Bruce the joy that he is and the love with which he is surrounded.
N
Noe Fleur20/08/2023
Amazing work Tom you've captured cousin Bruce perfectly - he really is the CJO. All our love from Tasmania
S
Stephen Harris20/08/2023
Inspirational and moving. A short story well told. Congratulations to all involved.
L
Lisa Murphy20/08/2023
Bruce is such a joy xx love this short film
J
John Cavanagh20/08/2023
Frizza - done with your usual passion for doing things well Straight to the heart The world needs more heroes like Uncle Bruce Cav
J
Jann Kingston19/08/2023
Congratulations on making such a beautiful film.
C
Candice Todd18/08/2023
What a touching documentary well done Tom and Bruce I was completely engrossed from start to end I particularly enjoyed the film technique of the animated illustrations throughout. Tom you have great talent and a good heart which has so authentically celebrated your uncle Bruce and his story. I was moved and educated about Pitt-Rogers-Danks syndrome as a result. Well done.
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Fiona Lennon18/08/2023
Having not known anything about this condition which is incredible as its not new and that rare. Now because of this remarkable mini film not only was Bruces story told but its openly researched which is fabulous . Well done to all involved with this wonderful story .
B
Brendan Case18/08/2023
What a wonderful short film Tom. Your Uncle Bruce is such a kind gentle man that Ive had the pleasure of knowing for 40 years and youve captured his personality perfectly. Congratulations and I wish you all the best.
P
Paula Jacinto18/08/2023
Moving and completely heartwarming. Bruce is a superhero indeed. Great work Tom in shining such a warm and caring light on your uncle.
S
Seb HENDERSON18/08/2023
Lovely film squad
F
Fiona Griffiths18/08/2023
Bruce you are a legend. Well done Tom producing such a touching and powerful short film about your delightful Uncle and spotlighting the very important role of genetic research for improving the lives of our young people.
B
Barrie May17/08/2023
What an amazing film. I didn't know what it was about before watching and was absolutely blown away by its sensitivity intelligence. It was a privilege to watch and it opened my heart and mind to the capacity of people with disabilities to have an enormous positive impact on the world. Bruce is certainly a wonderful role model for us all. Tom does an amazing job in telling his story focussing on the positive impact of Bruce on others educating his audience into the needs and potential of people with disabilities or more accurately special abilities and how we can all learn from their example. I was literally crying by the end. I hope to see many more films from Tom. Great work
S
Suzy Case17/08/2023
I absolutely loved and l was so touched by this beautiful film. Tom did a magnificent job capturing his inspirational much loved uncle Bruce.
J
Joan Lefroy17/08/2023
So proud of Tom and indeed his Star The latter is our beautiful Bruce who we love so much. Please forgive my limited ability with the emailing . Each to his own. Xxxmgj
K
kim cooper17/08/2023
Well done Tom on presenting such a wonderful story of our beautiful Bruce . Narrated so beautifully and an inspiration to us all. The videography was brilliant as was the sound back ground acoustics. Loved it . With thanks Congratulations regards Kim Cooper
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Matt Williams16/08/2023
Beautifully done TomThanks for sharing your CJO with us.A little bit of Joy can go a long way but a whole lot is so much better.
R
Rod Walker16/08/2023
Well done Tom on presenting such a beautiful story of a beautiful human. Narrated so eloquently and an inspiration to us all. The videography was brilliant as was the sound back ground acoustics. Superb job looking forward to the next release.
S
Susan Hill16/08/2023
I'm so proud of you Tom. Your film is filled with love and gratitude and that's what I certainly remember when of you were my student.
D
David Ponsford16/08/2023
Wow what an awesome film produced sharing the journey of Bruce The Chief Joy Officer An inspirational story highlighting the Journey Bruce and the extended family have so far travelled - The love and family support is highlighted throughout this presentation - well done Tom an outstanding production congrats go to you and your team for sharing this with us
L
Liaden Atfeh16/08/2023
Brilliant filmmaking and a moving story. Gorgeous visuals and editing storyline is gorgeous and so uplifting and a beautiful narration by Tom Lefroy. Excellent short film.
A
Adrian Farrer16/08/2023
Wonderful movie Tom. Congratulations on such an uplifting telling of Bruce's story.
S
Sally Wescott16/08/2023
Amazing film which delivers a message straight to the heart Everyone should watch this film Congratulations Tom
S
Sharon Kendall16/08/2023
Well done Tom and congratulations on being shortlisted.
J
Jordan Sandler16/08/2023
Well done Tom This is a fantastic video and a wonderful celebration of your Uncle.
S
Sam Riggall16/08/2023
Well done Tom and everyone involved in sharing with us this amazing life.
J
Jane King16/08/2023
Joy spread. Job well done Tom.
K
Katherine Murray16/08/2023
Love love love this Tom tears to my eyes. xxx
B
Brett Stewart16/08/2023
Amazing work Tom on behalf of everyone back here at school congratulations on a great filmmessage.CheersBrett Stewart
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Michael Moreira16/08/2023
Tom I am proud of you and your wonderful movie. Congratulations mate. Look forward to seeing more of your great work in the future
N
Nelita de Vos16/08/2023
A wonderful film Tom congratulations.
N
Nichola Lefroy16/08/2023
Congratulations on this beautiful film Tom. A wonderful celebration of your Uncle. Proud of you.
How wonderful to meet Bruce Hes just as amazing as his sister said he was all those years ago that we worked together. What a beautiful family
What a great film. Well done Tom.
Wonderful testament to family love and bring joy with every day.
What an absolute hero This is inspiring.
A joyous story Congratulations Tom and Bruce. Your grandmother would be so happy.
I was thoroughly engrossed in this short movie so much love and emotion has been shown. I found it very moving. Well done Tom you show great talent
The Chief Joy Officer is well directed and narrated in a very lucid and convincing manner.
Tom what a beautiful job you have done in capturing Bruce the joy that he is and the love with which he is surrounded.
Amazing work Tom you've captured cousin Bruce perfectly - he really is the CJO. All our love from Tasmania
Inspirational and moving. A short story well told. Congratulations to all involved.
Bruce is such a joy xx love this short film
Frizza - done with your usual passion for doing things well Straight to the heart The world needs more heroes like Uncle Bruce Cav
Congratulations on making such a beautiful film.
What a touching documentary well done Tom and Bruce I was completely engrossed from start to end I particularly enjoyed the film technique of the animated illustrations throughout. Tom you have great talent and a good heart which has so authentically celebrated your uncle Bruce and his story. I was moved and educated about Pitt-Rogers-Danks syndrome as a result. Well done.
Having not known anything about this condition which is incredible as its not new and that rare. Now because of this remarkable mini film not only was Bruces story told but its openly researched which is fabulous . Well done to all involved with this wonderful story .
What a wonderful short film Tom. Your Uncle Bruce is such a kind gentle man that Ive had the pleasure of knowing for 40 years and youve captured his personality perfectly. Congratulations and I wish you all the best.
Moving and completely heartwarming. Bruce is a superhero indeed. Great work Tom in shining such a warm and caring light on your uncle.
Lovely film squad
Bruce you are a legend. Well done Tom producing such a touching and powerful short film about your delightful Uncle and spotlighting the very important role of genetic research for improving the lives of our young people.
What an amazing film. I didn't know what it was about before watching and was absolutely blown away by its sensitivity intelligence. It was a privilege to watch and it opened my heart and mind to the capacity of people with disabilities to have an enormous positive impact on the world. Bruce is certainly a wonderful role model for us all. Tom does an amazing job in telling his story focussing on the positive impact of Bruce on others educating his audience into the needs and potential of people with disabilities or more accurately special abilities and how we can all learn from their example. I was literally crying by the end. I hope to see many more films from Tom. Great work
I absolutely loved and l was so touched by this beautiful film. Tom did a magnificent job capturing his inspirational much loved uncle Bruce.
So proud of Tom and indeed his Star The latter is our beautiful Bruce who we love so much. Please forgive my limited ability with the emailing . Each to his own. Xxxmgj
Well done Tom on presenting such a wonderful story of our beautiful Bruce . Narrated so beautifully and an inspiration to us all. The videography was brilliant as was the sound back ground acoustics. Loved it . With thanks Congratulations regards Kim Cooper
Beautifully done TomThanks for sharing your CJO with us.A little bit of Joy can go a long way but a whole lot is so much better.
Well done Tom on presenting such a beautiful story of a beautiful human. Narrated so eloquently and an inspiration to us all. The videography was brilliant as was the sound back ground acoustics. Superb job looking forward to the next release.
I'm so proud of you Tom. Your film is filled with love and gratitude and that's what I certainly remember when of you were my student.
Wow what an awesome film produced sharing the journey of Bruce The Chief Joy Officer An inspirational story highlighting the Journey Bruce and the extended family have so far travelled - The love and family support is highlighted throughout this presentation - well done Tom an outstanding production congrats go to you and your team for sharing this with us
Brilliant filmmaking and a moving story. Gorgeous visuals and editing storyline is gorgeous and so uplifting and a beautiful narration by Tom Lefroy. Excellent short film.
Wonderful movie Tom. Congratulations on such an uplifting telling of Bruce's story.
Amazing film which delivers a message straight to the heart Everyone should watch this film Congratulations Tom
Well done Tom and congratulations on being shortlisted.
Well done Tom This is a fantastic video and a wonderful celebration of your Uncle.
Well done Tom and everyone involved in sharing with us this amazing life.
Joy spread. Job well done Tom.
Love love love this Tom tears to my eyes. xxx
Amazing work Tom on behalf of everyone back here at school congratulations on a great filmmessage.CheersBrett Stewart
Tom I am proud of you and your wonderful movie. Congratulations mate. Look forward to seeing more of your great work in the future
A wonderful film Tom congratulations.
Congratulations on this beautiful film Tom. A wonderful celebration of your Uncle. Proud of you.