About this Short Film
Amaya: The Art Journey (2024), directed by Amaya Gamage, Australia. We are pleased to present this short film in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival. It explores themes of art, achievement and talent alongside autism and cognitive processing disability, and reflects on the experience of adolescence. The film invites audiences to witness creativity and the ways young people find voice and recognition. Quiet and direct in its approach, it sits comfortably within our program of films that celebrate the abilities, experiences and achievements of people with disability. Recommended for viewers interested in youth, artistic practice and diverse developmental journeys.
Film Details
Film Transcript
Growing up, Amaya started drawing animals and cartoons. In 2019, aged 14, Amaya published her first book titled Amaya's Animal Alphabet and held her first solo art exhibition at the ROK Art and Cultural Centre. She also won the Best Young Artist award at the Southeast Open Art Exhibition in 2019.
Gradually, Amaya transitioned her art to digital media. I love nature; nature inspires me and my artwork. Her observational skills are remarkably vigilant, with a sharp eye and strong visual memory. She creates phenomenal art.
Amaya employs vibrant colours and blends them in her drawings. Some of her drawings feature cool colours while others are warm. She gradually developed her unique style of drawing; each piece carries its own allure and charm, reflecting her diverse artistic talents.
Another valuable lesson from the Temple Grandin movie is that opportunities often lie hidden behind closed doors. From 2019 to 2024, Amaya held five solo art exhibitions and won several awards. Amaya's most significant achievement came in 2023 when she was commissioned to decorate two regional medical clinics in Victoria and the Mount Gambier Urgent Care Centre using over 60 of her artworks. Because of the positive impact Amaya's artwork has had on patients, clinic management nominated her for the Young Achievers award in South Australia 2024.
Congratulations, Amaya, on your artwork being recognised and receiving an award in the South Australian Young Achievers awards. It helps people when they walk into a clinical environment, both young and old. When they see these pictures that you do it helps calm them and makes them feel relaxed; they focus on it and they talk about it rather than being in a clinical environment feeling scared. We're so proud of you, Amaya, in what you've achieved, and we know going forward and for your future it's going to be absolutely amazing. We're very happy to be part of that journey.
Amaya Gamage is an artist with remarkable resilience who brings joy and calmness through her vibrant artworks displayed strategically in medical clinics. Despite any disabilities, Amaya is an inspiration, winning awards and spreading positivity. A huge congratulations to Amaya. Instead of dwelling on limitations, let's focus on ability and potential. Thank you.
Filmmaker
Amaya Gamage is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Amaya Gamage.
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What an inspiration You must be so proud
Amaya I love your use of colour and the character of your drawings. They pop through with so much personality.
Congratulations Amaya Your talent as an artist shines brightly especially with your deep connection to nature. This is a beautiful story of a gifted individual nurtured by the unwavering support of dedicated parents and a loving family. Keep pursuing your passion staying close to the natural world that inspires you.
Great work Amaya
Excellent work
Congratulations Amaya Keep it up
Amazing Talent
Amazing and Congratulations Amaya
Congratulations Amaya
Congratulations Amaya on your achievements so far. Your artwork is amazing and they display your talents. Best wishes
Congratulations to the gifted artist. You are amazing .
Wow... You are amazing duwa it's a unbelievable talent. Congratulations for your achievements and good luck for your all future endeavors ..
Amazing and Congratulations Amaya
Congratulations Amaya May this be the first of many documentaries on your uniquely you beautiful artworks. Keep spreading the joy and beauty in your artworks with the world
Amaya is a gifted artist congratulations
Amazing. Congratulations Amaya
Well done Amaya Your artwork is stunning. All the best
You are amazing and blessed with great gift. Keep it up.
Wow You have come so far on your journey. One of your first sentences to me was don't judge a book by its cover. I can't wait to see the next ten years. Amazing
She has an amazing gift.
Amayas talents are so amazing . It is not only a story about a talented child but a story about great parenting too.
Amaya started her artistic journey drawing on my walls as a toddler and am proud how far she has come. Truely remarkable.
You are truely an amazing artist Amaya it was wonderful watching your creativity evolve from when you started your journey to where you are today. You should be very proud of your talent and achievements.
Wow what a fantastic tribute to your skills and talents. Thank you for sharing your gifts Amaya.
You are amazing Amaya.....keep up the wonderful work keep doing what you love and what you do best. xx
Such an amazing talent. We wish you all the best to soar higher and higher.
Instead of 21 limitations lets focus on ability and potential . Such strong message Thank you Amaya for making your family proud by your unlimited potentials
Wow Amaya you should be so very proud of yourself. You have a remarkable talent. Well done.
Amazing talent
Amazing talent
From simple drawings to beautiful portraits. You have come so far. Amazing Amaya.
What beautiful art. Well done. I look forward to hearing about more exhibitions and awards
Amaya's talents are truly amazing
Inspirational and truly talented