Yuin and Bundjalung man, Corey Stewart, shines as he tells the story of his new life as an artist living with a brain injury. Filmed in Narooma, Australia.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Isabel Darling

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I received a grant to make this film as part of Createability 2016 - a Northern Rivers Screenworks initiative to help regional filmmakers create stories about artists living with disability. Filmmakers were chosen from different regions across NSW so we could produce a 3 minute documentary on our chosen artists. I directed, shot and edited the film myself which was a really great experience. I brought in a sound recordist and had Vanessa Milton from the ABC on board as my producer/consultant.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

This film is a short insight into a unique life - an aboriginal man, an artist with an acquired brain injury who has overcome so many challenges and now has the most amazingly positive outlook on life. We go into his world, we see the things he cherishes - his aboriginal culture and the beautiful part of the world he lives in.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Corey’s bravery and strength in overcoming adversity is the universal theme of this film. His personal drive for self-expression and his love of creating is more of a personal theme, but one many people can relate to.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

There was a heavy emphasis on pre-production for this film. Northern Rivers Screenworks, Screen NSW and the ABC all had stakeholders involved which created a longer process for scripting and planning. There were a few stages of approvals, but my concept remained true from the beginning, and I am grateful that I had some guidance along the way. Some elements of Corey’s story were omitted, due to the time constraints of the film, and at first this was hard for me, but in the end it made for a better, stronger story.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The film’s been well received at a few international festivals now, and its festival circuit looks promising. The most rewarding feedback though was from Corey and his family - they absolutely loved it. Apparently it made a few of them cry which, as a filmmaker, is a satisfying feeling (if that’s the intention, obviously!)

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I just think it’s a great opportunity to let people know about the film and share it with a wider audience.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

It would be wonderful for more film festival directors to see the film as well as journalists - really anyone that thinks they might enjoy sharing this unique story.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

How would you look at life if you walked in Corey’s shoes?

Would you like to add anything else?

3 minutes with Corey is like stepping into a different world.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I’m editing a new documentary about Carnival workers who travel across Australia with their shows. I had a very special insight into their world and spent about 6 weeks filming them.

Interview: May 2017

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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Corey The Warrior

Yuin and Bundjalung man, Corey Stewart, shines as he tells the story of his new life as an artist living with a brain injury. Filmed in Narooma, Australia.

Length: 3 mins

Director: Isabel Darling

Producer: Isabel Darling

Writer: Isabel Darling

About the writer, director and producer:

Isabel has been making videos for the last 14 years, and now is turning towards more documentary and biography style storytelling. Isabel has created business videos, TVC's and numerous web videos for Tourism destinations and corporations. Being trained as a video editor has given Isabel the range to develop her storytelling abilities and continue on this new pathway into film-making.

Key cast: Corey Stewart

Torchlight Media, Northern Rivers Screenworks, Screen NSW

Where can I see it in the next month?

Melbourne Documentary Film Festival