MEDIA RELEASE
Bus Stop Films’ Accessible Film Studies Program launches in Launceston, Tasmania.
Award-winning program for people living with disability to be delivered in partnership with TasTAFE and with the support of Knight Frank.
Launceston, Tasmania, 20 September 2022 – Bus Stop Films, a not-for-profit organisation that uses filmmaking to make the world more inclusive, is heading to Launceston, Tasmania to deliver its award-winning Accessible Film Studies Program for people living with disability in partnership with TasTAFE and with the support of Knight Frank.
The Launceston program has become Bus Stop Films’ tenth program to launch, joining a network of locations that spans across Australia and online. The launch of the program will coincide with the National Games of the Special Olympics, showcasing the inclusive and welcoming community of Launceston.
To mark the launch, Bus Stop Films and TasTAFE will be hosting a series of free taster workshops for prospective students before the full-year Accessible Film Studies Program commences in February 2023.
Bus Stop Films Chief Executive Officer Tracey Corbin-Matchett spoke of the organisation’s excitement at bringing the Program to Launceston.
“We’re extremely proud to now offer our Program in Tasmania. Our taster workshops are a great way for potential students to see what we do and how we do it, while getting to know the space the program will be delivered in and have loads of fun in the process.”
“Launching as part of the Special Olympics National Games aligns to our commitment to celebrate the amazing contribution of people with disabilities to our community.”
Led by passionate filmmakers, the Program provides exclusive opportunities for older teens and young adults living with an intellectual disability or who live with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Students visit film production companies, work with professional filmmakers, learn both theoretical and practical approaches, and create award-winning films through a film school experience.
Beyond their film industry exposure, students also develop improved social, communication, and work-ready skills. BSF students have gone on to work on projects such as Marvel’s Thor: Love and Thunder, Masterchef and Survivor.
TasTAFE Chief Executive Officer Grant Dreher said its partnership with Bus Stop Films represented TasTAFE’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration.
“As TasTAFE looks to the future, we want to work more closely with our local communities and embrace opportunities to collaborate and we’re excited to start this chapter with Bus Stop Films in a partnership which benefits us both,” Mr Dreher said.
“Bus Stop Films will have the opportunity to use our facilities, equipment and students will have the opportunity to be involved in an award-winning film program. Importantly, the partnership also fosters a culture of inclusion and diversity at TasTAFE, where we believe everyone should feel welcome on our campuses.”
The Program setup in Tasmania has received the generous support of property firm Knight Frank, whose Head of Tasmania Scott Newton spoke of the firm’s pride in the partnership with Bus Stop Films.
“Knight Frank Tasmania are thrilled to be involved in this exciting program that will give so many of our local community the opportunity to participate in the Arts,” Mr Newton said.
The Program consists of three-hour weekly classes, to be delivered on Saturdays over 40 weeks at TasTAFE in Launceston. Program fees can be paid through a student’s NDIS package.
The free taster workshops will be held on the following dates, bookings are essential:
- Workshop 1: Saturday 22nd October 10:00am – 12:00pm.
- Workshop 2: Saturday 12th November 10:00am – 12:00pm.
- Workshop 3: Saturday 26th November 10:00am – 12:00pm.
For more information register here.
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