Acquired, Invisible
On an average day, you can't tell.
Interview with Writer/Producer/Actor CJ
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
To give insight into, raise awareness of and educate about what acquired and/or invisible disabilities are and how they affect people who live with them.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Because you don't know much or perhaps haven't even heard of acquired and/or invisible disabilities and wonder what on Earth that's all about. Or because you do have knowledge of such disabilities and want to see how they're being portrayed in this film. Maybe you don't even believe in invisible disabilities so you're fascinated with what I have to say about what you think is a fictitious disorder... will this perhaps challenge your perception or even change your mind?
Maybe you are someone living with a disability or know someone who is and are interested to see how my story compares to yours. Whatever the reason my aim is to answer your questions be that through the film or by asking or even challenging me after you've seen it.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Acquired, Invisible gives a very personal insight and perspective of an individual living with an acquired, invisible disability whilst highlighting challenges faced by many individuals living with acquired and, or more particularly invisible disabilities. It addresses a variety of factors and barriers such as challenges dealing with the medical fraternity, societal views and managing disability in the performing arts and fitness sectors.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The creation of Acquired, Invisible was a whirlwind done over a matter of days to a couple of weeks. There was a discussion about what I wanted to create, someone showed interest and we just went and made it. Honestly, I'm a bit stunned and pretty darn proud of what we created in such a short time.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
That it tells the story openly and honestly without making it a sob story which is a good thing because it gives an objective view without being emotionally manipulative.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not really. It made me happy because I wanted to present a balanced view and definitely didn't want to be perceived as trying to attract sympathy.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
To let as many people as possible know that there are people living with acquired and/or invisible disabilities all around you and you very likely don't even know it. And that you don't know it because of the struggles we go through to survive, live and thrive in what can too often be for us an ignorant and inaccessible world but maybe this film can help you to understand us better and consequently walk alongside, recognise and even advocate for us so that we too, just like you, can live our best lives.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Journalists, film festival directors, buyers, producers, sales agents, distributors
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would like to change people's perception around disability as a whole, from the way it is defined to the way disabled people are defined and categorised and what people think disabled people can achieve, whilst not forgetting that disabled people can need support be it physical or in the form of allyship and advocacy to succeed.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
There are two questions really:
If a disability is invisible, is it a disability?
Is it better to have been born disabled than have an acquired disability?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Two short films, one focusing on challenges faced by transgender disabled folk and one storytelling through a well-known song. A play focusing on diversity as well as the perception and treatment of people with various differences including BIPOC, disabled and LGBTIQA+ peoples. A full-length feature film, as well as a musical, are also in their early stages of creation.
Interview: June 2023
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. 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
Acquired, Invisible
On an average day, you can't tell.
Length: 30:46
Director: Jackson
Producer: CJ
Writer: CJ
About the writer, director and producer:
JACKSON is a long-time actor who turned his hand to directing and filmmaking in 2003. A true storyteller his creative visions capture the real elements of the world around us and he uses this talent to bring the reality of humankind, culture and critical thought to the fore in both his stories and his audiences.
CJ is a long-time creative performer and writer of various forms including short stories, poetry and now script. Not afraid to push boundaries and present confronting content she strives to inspire thought, understanding and action in her audiences. As a member of several minority and marginalised communities, as well as being a qualified scientist and practising medical practitioner, CJ strives to both harness and encourage advocacy and inclusion of diversity in all of her work. As co-founder and co-director of the performing arts and artistic services company Agile Arts, CJ has produced several works, both for the company and for external clients. CJ's work is not limited to The Arts as she has also been called to assist with production in the corporate sector as well as volunteering her time as a producer, choreographer and coach in community endeavours.
Key cast: CJ
Looking for: journalists, film festival directors, buyers, distributors, producers, sales agents
Facebook: Agile Arts
Instagram: @agileartsaustralia
Hashtags used: #disability #disabilitypride #acquireddisability #invisibledisability #disabled #documentary #shortfilm #inclusion
Website: www.agilearts.com.au
Funders: Self-funded
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Melbourne Documentary Film Festival - Sunday Sessions 4, 30th July 2023, 1.30pm.