Two Different Lights, by Madison Heady (Australia, 2023), appears in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival. The short explores themes of anxiety, belonging and bullying alongside questions of congenital, intellectual and physical disability, wheelchair use and mental health. It draws attention to stigma, prejudice and common stereotypes, and highlights issues around inclusion in groups and workplaces, including roles such as cleaners. Quiet and thoughtful, the film asks viewers to consider how young adults with diverse needs navigate social spaces and how communities might respond. A timely piece that contributes to conversations about dignity, respect and belonging.
We have a great day, sweetie. Thanks, Mom. We're going to be talking about the IV usage of the telephones. Hi, how are you? Hi, good. Can I have you sitting down here, please? I was just going to... We're going to be sitting here, and then we can get on with our... How many times do you think we might use it, or look at our phone? Seven hours. Seven hours? Yeah, that's correct. How many times do we have to look at our phone? Yeah? Look at your phone, Mom. Look at your phone. Slow down, it's not a race. Hurry up. Clean up this mess, will you? Hurry up. You're getting nice hair. Thanks. Wait, wait, what? Are you...? Am I what? I can't believe I wasted my time on you. I can't believe I wasted my time on you. Can I just have you sitting here? What's wrong with her? I can't believe I wasted my time on you. What's wrong with her? Can I just have you sitting here? Slow down, it's not a race. I can't believe I wasted my time on you. All my life I have felt like I've been looked upon in two different ways. I want people with disabilities feeling loved, supported, understood. I hope that those who see us truly see us living our best lives. Because we all want to feel a sense of belonging and connection, right? And I am no different. For more information, visit www.FEMA.gov
Filmmaker
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8 comments
M
Marina Grayden22/08/2023
Maddie this is an amazing film. Well done. It advocates for so many people in the community with disability and reminds all that not all disabilities are visible ones. This film made me so emotional. Well done for making a film so close to your heart. Go girl The world is your oyster.
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Jan Dunn21/08/2023
A very touching short film. Loved it
C
Chloe Meakins19/08/2023
Love this film Very eye opening and emotional. Made me cry
J
Jayden Meakins19/08/2023
Cool film Madi well done
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Noula Gibson18/08/2023
Amazing Madi I can't stop thinking about it.
A
Alexa Bunschoten18/08/2023
Wonderful film with a powerful message
C
Catherine Kolomyjec17/08/2023
Congratulations Madison on such a game-changer of a film that really opens people's eyes to seeing the world from every angle. A gem of a film that just needs to be seen.
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Natasha Camilleri16/08/2023
I knew it was coming after watching it at the premiere but still cried watching it again now. This film truly needs to be shown to every single person on the planet let alone all students at school
Maddie this is an amazing film. Well done. It advocates for so many people in the community with disability and reminds all that not all disabilities are visible ones. This film made me so emotional. Well done for making a film so close to your heart. Go girl The world is your oyster.
A very touching short film. Loved it
Love this film Very eye opening and emotional. Made me cry
Cool film Madi well done
Amazing Madi I can't stop thinking about it.
Wonderful film with a powerful message
Congratulations Madison on such a game-changer of a film that really opens people's eyes to seeing the world from every angle. A gem of a film that just needs to be seen.
I knew it was coming after watching it at the premiere but still cried watching it again now. This film truly needs to be shown to every single person on the planet let alone all students at school