Crystal Sutherland Wearne came to TAFE to gain employability skills and can now add film making to her knowledge repertoire.
She is one of 40 students with disability who are presenting their short films at Bendigo TAFE’s Transition and Work Education (TWED) Short Film Festival on 11 October.
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.
Her second time participating in the annual film festival, Crystal said all students have chipped in with their ideas, concepts, filming and recording.
“The difficult part of the whole filming is probably the editing… it’s a whole process but it’s worth it,” said Crystal.
“I know what I’m expecting so I won’t be as nervous as I was last time.”
(Crystal - last from left - with her classmates)
Studying work education at Bendigo TAFE has been an illuminating experience for Crystal.
“It’s really good because you get to learn other stuff that you probably won’t be learning outside, and the teachers are very, very kind. You don’t need to rush into it because they will allow you to take your own time,” she said.
With the festival open to the public, Bendigo TAFE Chief Executive Officer Sally Curtain said the event was not only an important celebration for students, but also an opportunity for local 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.”
Crystal is looking forward to one part of the festival in particular, and those attending are advised to stay in your seat until curtain call for this.
“I can’t wait to see the bloopers, apparently they’re a lot funnier than last year’s!”
The 2023 TWED Short Film Festival will be held at Bendigo TAFE’s city campus on Wednesday 11 October from 5.30pm.
Approximately 10 short films chronicling the students’ learning experiences will be screened.
Register for free tickets here.
