I was waiting in the lounge of the Capitol cinema, when a previous screening of this homegrown documentary finished. The foyer filled with a joyful throng of participants and their families, whose faces I now recognise for their starring turns in Thomas Highland’s skilful documentary.

The Bullengarook specialist school in Victoria is a haven for any student who is neurodiverse. That so many have stories of being bullied in their previous schools is appalling and says little for the empathy of neurotypical students and of the inclusiveness of the public and private systems.

What we infer about Bullengarook is that neurodivergence isn’t an oddity that needs to be managed, but just part of helping each child to build confidence in themselves, and the capacity for a worthwhile life.

The story is about the biennial production the school stages, this one a musical about John Farnham over the past decades. It’s a great hook for a story as it allows us to see how some of the students are challenged by the process and the impact of being part of something large.

There are lots of kids involved, but we get to know Josh, Halle, Chelsea and Elyse. That they each have different challenges is a great way of showing the diversity of neurodivergence and the different strategies needed to support each person and also encourage them to push themselves.

The four young people were a great choice as they have a spark and individuality that makes their stories compelling. You can absolutely imagine them doing great things in their lives.

There is some great camera work – the planes overhead with Josh and his mother and grandmother sticks in my mind – and the back stories build a strong compassion and understanding.

The final production is one of joy. I secretly wished that Farnsey might turn up or do a video message for them – I’m sure he’d love it – but no.

As my daughter said, “They’re the voice, try and understand them.”

Director: Thomas Charles Hyland
Origin: Australia (2023)
Language: English

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Have you seen this film? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.