March 2004

Lights, camera action for Kew residents

By Kerrie Soraghan

An innovative film project is giving residents of Kew Residential Services (formerly Kew Cottages) the chance to tell their own stories and reflect on what the present redevelopment will mean to them.

Eight people have been involved in the project, working with community arts organisation Club Wild.

While the outcome will be a 30-minute documentary, the residents are not ‘subjects’ of the film.

They are taking part in its direction and shaping its creative content as well as learning film-making skills such as camera and lighting work.

The first phase of the film project has just been completed.

The residents have worked with project leader Phil Heuzenroeder in 10 workshops.

They explored their memories of KRS, where most have lived since early childhood, and shared their feelings about the impending closure of KRS, scheduled for the end of 2006.

Two of the residents are already living in their new homes in the community, in fact, and the others will also be moving progressively over the next three years.

Seven hours of footage has been shot in this preliminary stage.

Just before Christmas, the residents gathered as a group to view a five-minute edited package of their story so far.

The residents were delighted with the results, particularly proud that ‘it’s about us.’

The film is unique—there are so few opportunities for people with disabilities to be heard or seen.

The intimacy of film means it can capture the personalities and feelings of the people in the group, even those with limited verbal skills.

Instead of being defined wholly by their disabilities, the film allows their individuality to shine through.

It captures the exuberance of natural ham Nick, the intense concentration and alertness of David and the sudden radiant smiles of Betty Joy, as well as an engaging sense of humour.

John Goddard mischievously plays on words when he is asked by Phil whether he would like to be a camera operator.

‘No—I’d rather be a smooth operator,’ says John.

In the next production phase, some historical media footage is also likely to be used as a way to further enhance residents’ stories.

The filmmakers’ own stories will be supplemented by the points of view of others who are close to them.

Shooting of the film will continue until mid-year.

It is hoped the film will have wide appeal to public broadcasters and film festivals.