No barrier to creativity as students present short film festival

Salih Ilanbey and his classmates hope to inspire others to embrace challenges, and they’re sharing this message through a short film festival at Broadmeadows campus this month.

More than 120 students with disability are joining forces to present their short films at Kangan Institute’s Transition and Work Education (TWED) Short Film Festival.

Currently undertaking courses in transition education, work education and initial adult literacy and numeracy, participating students are post-school age learners with intellectual disabilities who are at TAFE to develop life skills, work readiness and options for further study.

Produced with his classmates, Salih’s film – which is about exploring challenges – echoes the group’s personal drive to expand their horizon by taking on the challenge of developing short films.

“Our film is about challenging yourself and taking risks,” said Salih, who is studying a Certificate I in Work Education (22566VIC).

“The difficult part of making the film is editing and putting everything all together.

“From learning this project, by doing TWED night, thinking about it and putting all the things together… challenging yourself is actually not a bad thing.”

(Salih - second from left in bottom row - with his classmates)

With the festival open to public, Kangan Institute Chief Executive Officer Sally Curtain said the event was not only an important celebration for students, but also an opportunity for community to witness their skills.

“Our transition and work education courses play a vital role in supporting individuals with disability to continue their learning beyond school and prepare for their next steps, whether it be employment or further study,” Sally said.

“The short films reflect our students’ skills, experience and creativity, and we’re thrilled to be able to show this to the community through our annual TWED Film Festival.”   

With approximately 12 short films chronicling the students’ learning experiences to be screened, Salih hopes festival attendees will gain insight into the students’ efforts and the messages they hope to tell.     

“Just listen to and take something out of it at least, not just watching it as a movie,” he said.

The 2023 TWED Short Film Festival will be held at Kangan Institute’s Broadmeadows campus on 18 and 26 October, from 6pm. Register for free tickets here.