People living with disabilities in Parramatta will now be given the opportunity to fulfil their dreams of hitting the big screens, with enrolments open for an accessible film studies program.
Bus Stop Films’ 40-week, award-winning program, joined by new partner Western Sydney University, is led by passionate filmmakers and industry experts.
The program will provide students with opportunities to visit film production companies, work with professional filmmakers, learn both theoretical and practical approaches and create award-winning films through a film school experience.
It also helps to improve students’ literacy and social engagement, whilst enhancing their employability and confidence.
Bus Stop Films CEO Tracey Corbin-Matchett said she was thrilled to open enrolments for 2022.
“We believe that people living with an intellectual disability are entitled to learn and participate in the power of storytelling,” she said.
“Additionally, as a WSU alumni, to now be delivering a program with the support of WSU makes me very proud.”
Acting Dean of Western Sydney University, Professor Matt McGuire said that the partnership with Bus Stop Films will create new opportunities for student filmmakers living with disability in western Sydney, and open doors never available previously.
“The film industry in western Sydney is growing and there has never been a better time to enhance creative pathways through education,” he said.
“With multiple opportunities to apply what you learn in class into the real world, this program makes for an educational experience unlike any other.”
Bus Stop Films has produced close to 50 films that have won more than 80 awards and reached audiences of more than 45 million people worldwide.
The not-for-profit organisation aims to generate genuine work opportunities for those from under-represented groups in the film industry, whilst advocating for a more inclusive film industry and society at large.
The program can be paid for through a student’s NDIS package, which is an added bonus for those looking to take part in the near future.
For more information or to register for the program, visit http://www.busstopfilms.com.au/programs.
To check out current students’ work, visit https://busstopfilms.com.au/films.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.