The Other Film Festival is celebrating 20 years with ‘Agency’ - on the ACMI Cinema 3 website.
The Other Film Festival (TOFF) and Arts Access Victoria celebrate 20 years of Deaf and Disabled filmmaking with Agency – an online, accessible film program available for streaming on demand across Australia via ACMI’s Cinema 3.
Agency is a program of international and Australian films screening nationally from Thursday 3 October – Wednesday 16 October as part of the Alter State Festival, presented by Arts Centre Melbourne and Arts Access Victoria.
All Agency films are made by Deaf and Disabled people either as key creatives, collaborators, and/or performers. All films are free to watch, audio described and captioned.
For 20 years The Other Film Festival (TOFF) has championed Deaf and Disabled storytelling. TOFF is proudly disability-led by Artistic Director Fiona Tuomy and is a major program of Arts Access Victoria which celebrates its 50 year anniversary in 2024.
“In a milestone year for TOFF, we are highlighting the self-determination of Deaf and Disabled people. The films in this program show the importance of agency. So often Deaf and Disabled people are denied power and agency in our own lives. These films proudly declare, we will tell our stories, our way.” said Fiona Tuomy.
“Agency also acknowledges the vital role of allyship in the screen industry. We welcome the allyship of non-disabled people to make space and support Deaf and Disabled writers and directors to tell our own untold stories and have thriving screen careers.” Fiona Tuomy said.
The Other Film Festival is a ground-breaking disability-led program born in 2004. Now TOFF is a leader in global Deaf and Disabled screen cultures, centring authentic storytelling and representation.
Conrad Browne, Manager of Vision Australia Radio and Audio Services, spoke of The Other film Festival and the media partnership between TOFF and Vision Australia Radio:
“Twenty years of The Other Film Festival is not just a celebration for all involved in delivering this important and engaging film event but also an acknowledgement of it’s importance in the cinematic landscape. It’s commitment to accessibility and shining a spotlight on people with a disability in front of and behind the camera is a leading example for the industry about the importance of representation, something that is also extremely important to Vision Australia Radio. Congratulations to TOFF on reaching this milestone and all the best for a fantastic festival season in 2024.”
Films screening as part of Agency – The Other Film Festival:
Documentary Feature Films
Leilani’s Fortune (2023, Canada) This film follows the blossoming career of Witch Prophet, a queer, immigrant Ethiopian-Eritrean musician, as she battles gatekeepers and stands true to her unique voice.
Rewards For The Tribe (2023, Australia) Rewards For The Tribe explores the first dance work between Chunky Move and Restless Dance Theatre and asks What Is Perfection?
The Stimming Pool (2024, UK) The Stimming Pool is a groundbreaking hybrid film that presents the possibilities of a world informed by autistic perspectives and perception.
Australian Short Films
14 In February (2023, Australia) A hard-of-hearing 13-year-old student's reality closes in the more she spends time with her teacher.
Baby (2023, Australia) A young disabled woman sets out on a quest to get pregnant and have a baby.
Bokeh (2024, Australia) Two photographers, one of whom is Deaf, bond over their mutual passion for photography and embark on an unforgettable journey to find the ‘perfect' photo.
Carer (2023, Australia) A day in the life of Mitch, a kind but wayward disability support worker, and Connor, a funny and sensitive young man he works with.
Dungeons, Goblins and Broccoli (2023, Australia) A group of avid Dungeons and Dragons players embark on their next quest, but their game takes a turn when a new-comer arrives. Distracted by her presence, the players become embroiled in a competition for her attention, but how far will they go to win her hand?
The Flower Man (2023, Australia) In a suburban street, under the shadow of jet planes, a solitary pianist calls on music and mayonnaise as he battles the odds to win a crucial competition.
The Water of the Womb (2023, Australia) A young photographer, haunted by his memories and fears, is driven to reconcile his loss and move forward when he learns he is about to go blind.
Threshold (2023, Australia) A Deaf woman crosses the threshold of sound and no sound multiple times a day.
Films are free to stream via cinema3.acmi.net.au from Thursday 3 October – Wednesday 16 October.
