WEBVTT - Talking Vision 748 Week Beginning 30th of September 2024 0:00:38.423 --> 0:00:44.213 From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's 0:00:44.213 --> 0:00:46.253 your host Sam Colley. 0:00:48.563 --> 0:00:51.833 Hello, everyone. It's great to be here with you. And 0:00:51.833 --> 0:00:54.833 for the next half hour, we talk matters of blindness 0:00:54.833 --> 0:00:55.913 and low vision. 0:00:55.943 --> 0:01:01.043 Altered States is really leading the way in several instances. 0:01:01.043 --> 0:01:04.733 Like to have 100 deaf and disabled artists involved in 0:01:04.733 --> 0:01:09.053 the program is phenomenal. Like that is work, employment and 0:01:09.053 --> 0:01:15.473 representation and being able to really create incredible artwork and 0:01:15.473 --> 0:01:18.593 putting that on the main stages across really important venues 0:01:18.593 --> 0:01:22.673 in Melbourne. It's an opportunity to see our communities work. 0:01:22.703 --> 0:01:25.943 Welcome to the program. We've got a bit of an 0:01:25.943 --> 0:01:30.383 arts and creative bent this week as we chat with 0:01:30.383 --> 0:01:36.322 Nilgun Guven and Sara Hobolt. They're involved in a disability 0:01:36.323 --> 0:01:40.973 led arts festival taking place over 12 days between the 0:01:40.973 --> 0:01:45.293 second and 13th of October. You can find out a 0:01:45.293 --> 0:01:49.133 lot more about that very shortly as that interview is 0:01:49.133 --> 0:01:53.543 just around the corner. Then after our chat with Sara 0:01:53.543 --> 0:01:59.303 and Nilgun, I'll catch up with Fiona Tolmie, Artistic Director 0:01:59.303 --> 0:02:04.013 of the other film festival, which is taking place roughly 0:02:04.013 --> 0:02:07.813 around the same time over two weeks from the 3rd 0:02:07.813 --> 0:02:12.713 to the 16th of October. I hope you'll enjoy this 0:02:12.713 --> 0:02:23.123 week's episode of Talking Vision. Altar'd State is Australia's disability 0:02:23.153 --> 0:02:28.573 led arts initiative celebrating deaf and disabled artists creativity Activity 0:02:28.573 --> 0:02:34.903 and culture. It's happening over 12 days, starting with today 0:02:34.933 --> 0:02:39.072 up until the 13th of October. And to have a 0:02:39.072 --> 0:02:43.302 chat with me about Altar'd State. It's my great pleasure 0:02:43.303 --> 0:02:50.593 to welcome access Consultant Sara Hobolt and CEO of Vita Veritas, 0:02:50.593 --> 0:02:55.483 Nilgun Güven. Sara Nilgun, welcome to the show. Thanks so 0:02:55.482 --> 0:02:56.713 much for your time. 0:02:56.893 --> 0:02:58.903 Thanks for having us, Sara. 0:02:58.933 --> 0:03:01.453 I'll start with you. Give us a bit of an 0:03:01.453 --> 0:03:03.552 intro to yourself. 0:03:03.583 --> 0:03:06.493 Yeah, sure. My name is Sara Hobolt and I am 0:03:06.493 --> 0:03:12.822 the access consultant for Altar'd State, which is amazing programming 0:03:12.822 --> 0:03:17.143 that's in partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne and Arts Access Victoria. 0:03:17.173 --> 0:03:20.532 My background is as a performer, as an access consultant 0:03:20.532 --> 0:03:24.252 and as an arts manager across Australia and internationally. 0:03:24.252 --> 0:03:27.882 And Nilgun a few of our listeners might have already 0:03:27.882 --> 0:03:32.232 heard your voice before, but for the benefit of people 0:03:32.232 --> 0:03:35.503 who may not have. Tell us a little bit about yourself. 0:03:35.533 --> 0:03:40.362 Sure, I'm Nilgun and I'm the artistic director CEO of 0:03:40.363 --> 0:03:44.772 Vita Veritas, otherwise known as VRV, a not for profit 0:03:44.773 --> 0:03:51.733 organization that does many things but especially provides access, consultancy 0:03:51.732 --> 0:03:57.043 and services to the performing and visual arts industries in Victoria. 0:03:57.043 --> 0:04:01.723 And we're a major sort of access provider for various 0:04:01.723 --> 0:04:05.083 events and festivals that happen across the year and for 0:04:05.083 --> 0:04:06.853 Altar'd state 2024. 0:04:06.883 --> 0:04:10.333 Now, Sarah, I'll come back to you. Let's have a 0:04:10.333 --> 0:04:15.193 chat about Altar'd state in particular, what is Alter State 0:04:15.193 --> 0:04:17.473 and what can people expect? 0:04:17.803 --> 0:04:22.273 Alter state is an incredible set of programming across eight 0:04:22.273 --> 0:04:26.703 venues in Melbourne. It really places the immense value of 0:04:26.703 --> 0:04:29.823 deaf and disabled artists at the center of the programming, 0:04:29.823 --> 0:04:33.423 which means that there's over 100 artists who are deaf 0:04:33.423 --> 0:04:37.472 and disabled in the program showcasing their work, giving us 0:04:37.473 --> 0:04:45.633 really amazing performance work, dance work, performance art, film, visual arts, exhibitions, workshops. 0:04:45.633 --> 0:04:48.533 It's super exciting. It's from the 2nd to the 13th 0:04:48.533 --> 0:04:51.723 of October and there's quite a few things on offer. 0:04:51.753 --> 0:04:54.333 Nilgun did you have anything to add there? 0:04:54.363 --> 0:04:56.763 I should add that the type of access that we 0:04:56.763 --> 0:05:00.423 provide and will be providing across the festival coming up 0:05:00.423 --> 0:05:06.243 is centered around audio description, services and tactile tours. So 0:05:06.243 --> 0:05:11.883 we'll be audio describing a number of performances, symposiums, different 0:05:11.883 --> 0:05:13.563 events that are taking place. 0:05:13.593 --> 0:05:16.533 And the cool thing about that is that the team 0:05:16.533 --> 0:05:20.613 at Delta State have committed to a lot of events 0:05:20.613 --> 0:05:23.643 being audio described, so there's so much to choose from. 0:05:23.643 --> 0:05:27.452 So for example, we have Private View, which is a 0:05:27.483 --> 0:05:31.173 theatre dance work by Restless Theatre, and they are on 0:05:31.173 --> 0:05:33.933 from the 2nd to the 6th of October. And there's 0:05:33.963 --> 0:05:36.813 audio description for every session, which is super exciting. We 0:05:36.813 --> 0:05:39.363 don't see that very often, so I'm very excited. 0:05:39.393 --> 0:05:44.583 Yeah, that's super exciting. So in terms of audio description 0:05:44.583 --> 0:05:50.313 and those tactile tours, that's some fantastic accessibility features there. 0:05:50.313 --> 0:05:55.383 But Sarah, what other accessibility features can people look forward 0:05:55.383 --> 0:05:58.773 to if they do head along to alter state? 0:05:58.803 --> 0:06:02.673 Sure. We place access at the core of everything we do, 0:06:02.703 --> 0:06:05.763 which means that we consider it at every level. So 0:06:05.763 --> 0:06:09.693 for example, audience can, when they buy a ticket, they 0:06:09.693 --> 0:06:13.053 can indicate whether they need physical access or Auslan interpreting 0:06:13.053 --> 0:06:15.513 or audio description. Or they can also tell us if 0:06:15.513 --> 0:06:18.543 there are any other access requirements that they have that 0:06:18.573 --> 0:06:21.543 they would like us to consider. We put on access 0:06:21.543 --> 0:06:24.663 services with events as well, but we are also here 0:06:24.663 --> 0:06:28.713 to create some bespoke and really welcoming experiences. So we 0:06:28.713 --> 0:06:32.163 have Auslan interpreted events, we have audio described events. We 0:06:32.163 --> 0:06:34.743 also have a quiet room at all. You know, almost 0:06:34.743 --> 0:06:37.323 all of our venues because we have eight venues across 0:06:37.323 --> 0:06:40.653 the city. And so we also have services like if 0:06:40.653 --> 0:06:43.923 you go to an event at Arts Centre Melbourne, you're 0:06:43.923 --> 0:06:46.773 able to ring up the welcome desk ahead of time 0:06:46.773 --> 0:06:50.043 and welcome. Staff can meet you at the taxi or 0:06:50.043 --> 0:06:53.163 the Uber or guide you around the venue. For example, 0:06:53.163 --> 0:06:56.613 there in Arts Centre Melbourne, there's an audio button actually 0:06:56.613 --> 0:07:00.423 in the lift. There are places for assistance animals to 0:07:00.453 --> 0:07:03.573 go to the toilet. There's a lot of bespoke human 0:07:03.573 --> 0:07:08.373 centred help that's available. People are wearing bright red Altar'd 0:07:08.373 --> 0:07:12.093 state shirts when you arrive at the Arts Centre Melbourne venue, 0:07:12.093 --> 0:07:15.243 and we also work with our partner venues to also 0:07:15.243 --> 0:07:18.573 increase their awareness and provision of access to. So a 0:07:18.573 --> 0:07:21.813 lot of events also have visual stories. Some people call 0:07:21.813 --> 0:07:25.133 them social scripts or social stories, but a guide before 0:07:25.133 --> 0:07:29.963 you arrive to understand what to expect from the experience. 0:07:29.993 --> 0:07:34.163 You've mentioned Art Centre Melbourne there, but I'm keen to 0:07:34.193 --> 0:07:38.303 hear about a few of the other venues and the 0:07:38.303 --> 0:07:43.193 accessibility with those. I know there've been a few performers 0:07:43.193 --> 0:07:47.573 in the past that I've spoken to who have expressed 0:07:47.603 --> 0:07:52.463 a desire to really push for more accessible venues, so 0:07:52.493 --> 0:07:54.893 could you tell us a bit about some of those 0:07:54.893 --> 0:07:58.133 other seven venues? You don't have to go into huge 0:07:58.133 --> 0:08:01.043 detail about all seven, but give us a bit of 0:08:01.043 --> 0:08:04.913 a highlight package of the main sort of places that 0:08:04.913 --> 0:08:07.283 people can look forward to heading along to. 0:08:07.313 --> 0:08:11.813 Absolutely. So our venues are, we've mentioned Art Centre Melbourne, 0:08:11.813 --> 0:08:15.173 but there's also Arts House in North Melbourne, the Footscray 0:08:15.203 --> 0:08:19.733 Community Arts Centre, the Melbourne Recital Centre, the Victorian College 0:08:19.733 --> 0:08:24.053 of the Arts, the Monash University Performing Arts and the 0:08:24.053 --> 0:08:28.613 National Gallery of Victoria, and also the Fitzroy North Library. 0:08:28.643 --> 0:08:30.563 We've been in discussion with a lot of these venues 0:08:30.563 --> 0:08:33.803 over the course of the year in terms of talking 0:08:33.803 --> 0:08:36.412 about how to increase access and but more importantly, talking 0:08:36.413 --> 0:08:39.893 about how to actually talk about the access that already exists. 0:08:39.923 --> 0:08:42.262 So one of the things that I'm finding in this 0:08:42.263 --> 0:08:45.052 role is that there's a really great intentions, and there's 0:08:45.053 --> 0:08:49.402 also access elements that people just don't know already exist. 0:08:49.403 --> 0:08:51.022 So I know it would it would take a long 0:08:51.023 --> 0:08:52.612 time to go through all of these venues. So I 0:08:52.643 --> 0:08:55.732 guess my main tip is to call up or contact 0:08:55.763 --> 0:08:58.403 each venue and have a real conversation with them if 0:08:58.403 --> 0:09:01.372 you're interested to go into any of the events. For example, 0:09:01.372 --> 0:09:04.732 at Arts House, they have a dedicated box office and 0:09:04.732 --> 0:09:08.992 welcome team. There is physical access. There will be Auslan 0:09:08.992 --> 0:09:12.083 interpreter and audio described events there. It's actually where the 0:09:12.083 --> 0:09:15.413 closing night party will be, which will be really, really fun. 0:09:15.413 --> 0:09:19.313 So that one's called disabled and sexy. So we're definitely 0:09:19.313 --> 0:09:21.473 here to have a good time at Altar'd State. 0:09:21.502 --> 0:09:24.682 Yeah, it sounds like it. But yeah, those are some 0:09:24.683 --> 0:09:30.562 really important conversations, obviously, that people are having around Melbourne. 0:09:30.563 --> 0:09:32.813 And you know, I have, as I mentioned, you know, 0:09:32.843 --> 0:09:36.412 spoken to a few people who have talked about how 0:09:36.413 --> 0:09:41.002 they've been barred from accessing certain venues because there's been 0:09:41.002 --> 0:09:44.872 steps or the stages too high up, and it causes 0:09:44.872 --> 0:09:49.762 issues with people who have coordination and mobility disabilities and 0:09:49.762 --> 0:09:53.272 things like that. So it's really important to hear that 0:09:53.303 --> 0:09:58.973 access is such a central aspect of alter State. It 0:09:58.973 --> 0:09:59.723 is really important. 0:09:59.752 --> 0:10:03.203 And we also we definitely working with artists with disability, 0:10:03.203 --> 0:10:05.482 like we definitely have ramps going up to the stages, 0:10:05.482 --> 0:10:08.182 for example. So you know, as I said before, access 0:10:08.213 --> 0:10:12.022 is at all levels. And that includes having staff like I, 0:10:12.053 --> 0:10:14.723 you know, I am a person with low vision. There 0:10:14.723 --> 0:10:17.693 are many people within the programming staff across the venues 0:10:17.693 --> 0:10:22.002 that do identify with disability. So with that lived experience 0:10:22.002 --> 0:10:24.372 in the mix, we can place access more at the 0:10:24.372 --> 0:10:27.223 core and the center of what we do because we 0:10:27.223 --> 0:10:28.303 have no choice not to. 0:10:28.333 --> 0:10:32.563 Essentially, now, Nilgun, I think this is a chance for 0:10:32.563 --> 0:10:35.653 you to jump in and give your thoughts if you'd 0:10:35.652 --> 0:10:36.402 like to. 0:10:36.433 --> 0:10:40.662 Sure. Having engaged with a number of those venues, I 0:10:40.663 --> 0:10:44.833 also know that they've received, you know, access and inclusion 0:10:44.833 --> 0:10:48.642 training to improve their confidence and awareness. And they have 0:10:48.642 --> 0:10:51.942 a number of resources on their websites that have been 0:10:51.943 --> 0:10:57.073 developed in consultation with the community. Verbal maps, different guides, 0:10:57.073 --> 0:11:01.303 especially for Melbourne Recital Centre and Arts House and other 0:11:01.303 --> 0:11:04.333 things to mention around the festival. Just adding to Sarah's 0:11:04.333 --> 0:11:07.513 list is that there is live captioning and that there 0:11:07.543 --> 0:11:11.563 are a number of events online, and a huge amount 0:11:11.563 --> 0:11:16.303 of the events are free. Registrations are required and for 0:11:16.303 --> 0:11:21.683 things like performances especially there is ticketing and prices associated 0:11:21.683 --> 0:11:24.112 with that. But a real plus is that quite a 0:11:24.112 --> 0:11:26.843 lot of the festival is, yeah, free. 0:11:27.053 --> 0:11:30.743 Yeah, that's a huge bonus and that's great to hear that. 0:11:30.772 --> 0:11:33.772 You know, it's accessible in that way as well. It's, 0:11:33.803 --> 0:11:38.152 you know, really affordable for a lot of people out there. 0:11:38.152 --> 0:11:42.173 But Sarah, what I'd like to get into now is 0:11:42.173 --> 0:11:47.242 just talking about why these events are so important for 0:11:47.242 --> 0:11:52.882 people around Melbourne with disabilities. Why is something like alter 0:11:52.882 --> 0:11:58.162 States such an important festival for people to have access to? 0:11:58.673 --> 0:12:01.703 Oh, that is such a great question. There's a number 0:12:01.703 --> 0:12:06.053 of reasons why it's important. Alter States is really leading 0:12:06.053 --> 0:12:10.612 the way in several instances. Like to have 100 deaf 0:12:10.612 --> 0:12:14.752 and disabled artists involved in the program is phenomenal. Like 0:12:14.783 --> 0:12:19.413 that is work, employment and representation and being able to 0:12:19.443 --> 0:12:24.032 really create incredible artwork and putting that on the main 0:12:24.033 --> 0:12:27.813 stages across really important venues in Melbourne. It's an opportunity 0:12:27.813 --> 0:12:31.593 to see our communities work. We do have people who 0:12:31.593 --> 0:12:34.502 are blind and low vision in the program. For example, 0:12:34.502 --> 0:12:37.982 at the National Gallery of Victoria, we have a workshop 0:12:37.982 --> 0:12:40.893 that is led by someone who identifies as having low vision, 0:12:40.892 --> 0:12:44.582 so we're able to work essentially. The second reason is 0:12:44.583 --> 0:12:49.022 for audiences, really, I haven't seen many instances where every 0:12:49.022 --> 0:12:54.933 single session has access. So as someone who uses audio description, 0:12:54.933 --> 0:12:58.502 I can choose which night or which day or which 0:12:58.502 --> 0:13:01.443 session I go to to actually view the work, which 0:13:01.443 --> 0:13:04.173 means that I can actually live my life and have 0:13:04.173 --> 0:13:08.102 the same choice as everybody else in order to go. Actually, no, 0:13:08.102 --> 0:13:09.963 I can't make the Friday night, but hey, I can 0:13:09.963 --> 0:13:12.993 make the Sunday matinee and actually have that choice, which 0:13:12.992 --> 0:13:16.112 is really amazing. And it's also a chance to connect 0:13:16.112 --> 0:13:20.852 with peers, with people within our community, have a social time, 0:13:20.882 --> 0:13:24.062 have a good time, meet people, network as well as 0:13:24.063 --> 0:13:26.703 to see the work because we also have social Auslan 0:13:26.703 --> 0:13:30.693 interpreters that will arrive early to assist with conversations. And 0:13:30.693 --> 0:13:34.082 Nilgun is also providing describer guides, for example. So there's 0:13:34.083 --> 0:13:38.492 a combination of modes that access is also being provided. 0:13:38.492 --> 0:13:41.133 So it's very rare to see that anywhere not just 0:13:41.132 --> 0:13:43.622 in Melbourne. So I would get amongst it if I 0:13:43.622 --> 0:13:45.213 were you. Like it's a good opportunity. 0:13:45.242 --> 0:13:49.323 Yeah. Sounds fantastic. Now. Nilgun did you have anything to 0:13:49.323 --> 0:13:50.403 add there? Sure. 0:13:50.402 --> 0:13:54.243 I'm going to show my age a little bit by 0:13:54.272 --> 0:13:59.312 saying that Alta State Festival is definitely feeling missing gap 0:13:59.313 --> 0:14:03.213 of at least like ten years, where previously there were 0:14:03.213 --> 0:14:07.352 disability arts festivals called awakenings, for example, the Art of 0:14:07.352 --> 0:14:12.482 difference festival, and they were important opportunities back then for 0:14:12.482 --> 0:14:15.723 artists from all around to gather and showcase their work. 0:14:15.723 --> 0:14:18.693 So there's been a real missing space and Altar'd state 0:14:18.723 --> 0:14:22.953 has filled that. And it also highlights contemporary art and 0:14:22.953 --> 0:14:28.413 contemporary practice, disabled led practice, and just speaking about audience development, 0:14:28.413 --> 0:14:31.233 we really want to encourage people to consider, you know, 0:14:31.263 --> 0:14:35.943 attending for all the reasons Sarah highlighted, especially young people 0:14:35.943 --> 0:14:41.553 and families and parents and educators to see amazing artists 0:14:41.553 --> 0:14:45.723 on stage, amazing artists speaking about their work, and to 0:14:45.753 --> 0:14:49.832 also have the opportunity to contribute and feedback about what 0:14:49.863 --> 0:14:53.103 future festivals could look like and be. 0:14:53.343 --> 0:14:56.162 The other thing that's super cool about this program is 0:14:56.163 --> 0:14:59.853 that we're placing First Nations first, so we have a 0:14:59.853 --> 0:15:04.383 First Nations yarning circle, and we also acknowledge the intersectionality 0:15:04.383 --> 0:15:07.383 of our community. So on the 13th of October, we 0:15:07.383 --> 0:15:11.373 also have an event for deaf and disabled people of color. 0:15:11.373 --> 0:15:14.302 And those are all audio described in and also interpreted 0:15:14.303 --> 0:15:18.743 as well. So it's really, really nice time in Melbourne 0:15:18.743 --> 0:15:21.322 to value and acknowledge all of our contributions and who 0:15:21.323 --> 0:15:23.213 we are and connect with each other. 0:15:23.243 --> 0:15:27.143 The theme for this year's festival and the manifesto performance 0:15:27.143 --> 0:15:31.253 that's taking place on the 12th. So manifesto is the 0:15:31.253 --> 0:15:37.103 performance devised by Transmit Futures Ensemble. The artistic director, Andy Snelling, 0:15:37.103 --> 0:15:43.313 and the ensemble present their interpretations of audience responses that 0:15:43.313 --> 0:15:47.243 are central to the alter state provocation, which is what 0:15:47.243 --> 0:15:51.113 are our dreams and ideas for the future. So that 0:15:51.113 --> 0:15:55.973 is a really interesting collaboration that has audience engagement coming 0:15:55.973 --> 0:16:00.443 into and being presented through their work called manifesto. 0:16:00.743 --> 0:16:02.873 There might be a lot of people out there right 0:16:02.873 --> 0:16:06.113 now thinking, oh my God, this all sounds fantastic. I'd 0:16:06.113 --> 0:16:09.473 love to head along, get involved, you know, sign up, 0:16:09.473 --> 0:16:12.773 find out more, all that sort of thing. So you know, 0:16:12.803 --> 0:16:16.013 what's the best way for people to book a ticket, 0:16:16.013 --> 0:16:19.042 register to head along to the event? Or, you know, 0:16:19.073 --> 0:16:22.313 just find out more about all the events that are 0:16:22.313 --> 0:16:24.953 going on throughout Alta State. 0:16:24.983 --> 0:16:29.093 Absolutely. You can buy tickets over the phone by calling 0:16:29.093 --> 0:16:37.403 1301 82183, or you can email ticketing at Arts Centre Melbourne. 0:16:37.433 --> 0:16:42.383 Com.au because a number of the events are free, you 0:16:42.383 --> 0:16:44.723 can just elect to put how many tickets you want 0:16:44.753 --> 0:16:47.153 or you can fill in that companion card ticket box 0:16:47.153 --> 0:16:50.483 if you want to. You can also buy tickets or 0:16:50.483 --> 0:16:54.173 register in person by going to the theatre's building box 0:16:54.173 --> 0:16:56.573 office on level five at Arts Centre Melbourne for the 0:16:56.573 --> 0:16:59.932 Arts Centre, Melbourne. Programming, for example. Um, and if you'd 0:16:59.933 --> 0:17:01.792 like to go to an event at one of our 0:17:01.793 --> 0:17:05.693 seven other venues, you can check the Alter State website, 0:17:05.693 --> 0:17:12.023 which is Arts Centre Melbourne. Com.au alter state. Or you 0:17:12.023 --> 0:17:15.173 can ring up those venues that I mentioned before. You 0:17:15.173 --> 0:17:17.693 can phone, you can email, you can go in person, 0:17:17.693 --> 0:17:20.243 or you can also register via the website. 0:17:20.273 --> 0:17:23.753 Sarah Nogan, thanks so much for your time today. Look 0:17:23.753 --> 0:17:27.653 forward to hearing how Altar'd state goes and having you 0:17:27.653 --> 0:17:30.382 back on talking vision in the future. 0:17:30.743 --> 0:17:31.342 Thanks, Sam. 0:17:31.373 --> 0:17:32.573 I'm Sam. 0:17:39.263 --> 0:17:43.013 I'm Sam Coley, and you're listening to Talking Vision on 0:17:43.013 --> 0:17:48.803 Vision Australia Radio. Associated stations of the Radio Reading Network 0:17:48.803 --> 0:17:53.543 and the Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed that 0:17:53.543 --> 0:17:57.713 interview there with Nilgun and Sarah. If you missed any 0:17:57.713 --> 0:18:00.833 part of that interview, or you'd love to hear from 0:18:00.833 --> 0:18:05.453 Nilgun and Sarah again. Talking vision is available on the 0:18:05.453 --> 0:18:10.543 Vision Australia Radio website at VA radio Dot org. That's 0:18:10.573 --> 0:18:15.163 v a radio all one word.org. Or you can find 0:18:15.163 --> 0:18:18.823 the program on the podcast app of your choice or 0:18:18.823 --> 0:18:23.623 through the Vision Australia library. Continuing on the arts and 0:18:23.623 --> 0:18:28.423 creative theme today we're moving into the world of film 0:18:28.423 --> 0:18:32.953 now with the other film festival, which is taking place 0:18:32.953 --> 0:18:37.383 over two weeks from the 3rd to the 16th of 0:18:37.383 --> 0:18:42.403 October through the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Melbourne. 0:18:42.433 --> 0:18:45.103 To have a chat with me all about the other 0:18:45.103 --> 0:18:49.093 film festival. It's my great pleasure to be joined by 0:18:49.093 --> 0:18:54.853 artistic director Fiona Twomey. Fiona, welcome to Talking Vision. Thanks 0:18:54.853 --> 0:18:57.823 so much for joining me today. Awesome. 0:18:57.823 --> 0:19:00.703 Thank you so much for the invitation. And I'm both 0:19:00.703 --> 0:19:03.043 excited and honoured to be here with you. 0:19:03.073 --> 0:19:06.973 Let's start with a bit of an overview of the 0:19:06.973 --> 0:19:09.823 other film festival. What is that all about? 0:19:09.853 --> 0:19:14.443 The other film festival is or was. It was Australia's 0:19:14.443 --> 0:19:17.923 first international disability film festival. And as you know, we're 0:19:17.923 --> 0:19:21.643 actually celebrating our 20th anniversary this year. It's had a 0:19:21.643 --> 0:19:25.513 lot of different incarnations or versions of how it's been 0:19:25.513 --> 0:19:29.413 delivered over the years, and we now sort of split 0:19:29.413 --> 0:19:32.773 it up. We have three streams, so there's a screening program, 0:19:32.773 --> 0:19:35.713 an industry program, and a community program. And what I'm 0:19:35.713 --> 0:19:37.963 here to talk to you today about is our screening 0:19:37.963 --> 0:19:41.443 program that we're working on in partnership with ACMi and 0:19:41.443 --> 0:19:43.363 starts on Thursday. 0:19:43.393 --> 0:19:48.493 That's right. Thursday the 3rd of October. Now, how many 0:19:48.493 --> 0:19:51.823 days is that running for? From the third. 0:19:51.853 --> 0:19:53.773 Well, actually it runs for a fortnight. 0:19:53.803 --> 0:19:55.003 So wonderful. 0:19:55.033 --> 0:19:57.493 Two weeks. It goes from the 3rd of October to 0:19:57.523 --> 0:20:00.613 the sixth, Wednesday the 16th of October, and it's available 0:20:00.613 --> 0:20:05.353 online for free. And that's on ACMi. So here in Melbourne, 0:20:05.353 --> 0:20:08.703 they were formerly known as the Australian Centre for Moving Image. 0:20:08.703 --> 0:20:11.223 So many people might know there in Federation Square, but 0:20:11.223 --> 0:20:14.763 they actually have a streaming platform called cinema three, and 0:20:14.763 --> 0:20:16.623 this is the third year we've worked with them in 0:20:16.623 --> 0:20:20.313 this way. So the other film festivals, our screening program, 0:20:20.313 --> 0:20:22.833 all the films are free to watch and available to 0:20:22.863 --> 0:20:25.713 watch across Australia during those dates. 0:20:25.803 --> 0:20:29.613 Oh, fantastic. So tell us a little bit about what 0:20:29.643 --> 0:20:34.713 Arts access Victoria has in store for people this year 0:20:34.713 --> 0:20:39.813 to celebrate that 20th anniversary of the other film festival? 0:20:39.843 --> 0:20:42.873 As you've mentioned, it's been going on in, you know, 0:20:42.903 --> 0:20:45.303 various capacities over the years. 0:20:45.423 --> 0:20:47.913 The other film festival, our screening program, is a big 0:20:47.913 --> 0:20:52.743 way that we're celebrating, and this year's theme is agency. 0:20:52.743 --> 0:20:55.263 And why we chose that is that we really try 0:20:55.293 --> 0:20:59.703 to focus and prioritise films that are actually made by 0:20:59.703 --> 0:21:04.563 and feature, you know, authentically deaf and disabled people and 0:21:04.563 --> 0:21:07.803 where we have power and agency in those films. So 0:21:07.833 --> 0:21:12.303 agency itself, but highlights the self-determination of deaf and disabled people. 0:21:12.303 --> 0:21:15.723 So often we're denied power and agency in our own lives. 0:21:15.723 --> 0:21:19.713 So we chose these films because they explore agency and storytelling, 0:21:19.713 --> 0:21:22.443 and we really feel like they reveal untold stories and 0:21:22.443 --> 0:21:25.743 ways of being in the world, and that's really important 0:21:25.743 --> 0:21:29.043 to us. Who's telling the story? That there's an authenticity, 0:21:29.073 --> 0:21:34.503 a power, but that they're powerful, but also hopefully, you know, enjoyable. 0:21:34.503 --> 0:21:36.843 And there's some that are comedies, there's some that are dramas, 0:21:36.843 --> 0:21:39.363 there's some that are documentaries. So we just sort of 0:21:39.393 --> 0:21:42.153 want to explore the full spectrum of a world that 0:21:42.153 --> 0:21:45.123 many of us live in, but we don't actually really 0:21:45.123 --> 0:21:48.543 get to experience very often, you know, in film and television. 0:21:48.543 --> 0:21:53.763 And following on from that, it's really important to speak 0:21:53.763 --> 0:21:57.963 about why these things, like the other film festival, are 0:21:57.963 --> 0:22:02.373 so important to raise these topics in the general public 0:22:02.403 --> 0:22:05.493 to shed light on, as you've said, the issues of 0:22:05.493 --> 0:22:11.073 agency and autonomy of people with disabilities. So why do 0:22:11.073 --> 0:22:15.333 you think the other film festival has been so successful 0:22:15.333 --> 0:22:19.113 over the past two decades? To really tell these stories 0:22:19.113 --> 0:22:23.043 and raise awareness of the issues that disabled people face 0:22:23.043 --> 0:22:23.943 every day? 0:22:24.153 --> 0:22:26.373 You know, to reflect on it, it is a big achievement. 0:22:26.373 --> 0:22:29.013 But it's also, you know, not easy as well. You know, 0:22:29.043 --> 0:22:31.173 we're quite a small team working on the film festival, 0:22:31.203 --> 0:22:34.443 but we do have a really big ambition or vision 0:22:34.443 --> 0:22:37.473 to what we want to achieve. But I think that 0:22:37.473 --> 0:22:39.153 so many of us, we just don't want to have 0:22:39.153 --> 0:22:43.623 a very narrow, you know, stereotypical understanding of what so 0:22:43.623 --> 0:22:46.113 many of our lives are like. It just makes for 0:22:46.143 --> 0:22:50.283 a much richer world for storytelling, but for screen. But 0:22:50.283 --> 0:22:53.343 also can, I think, make a difference in people's lives. 0:22:53.343 --> 0:22:56.583 If you actually do experience like a reflection back of 0:22:56.583 --> 0:22:59.433 what your life is like, or learning about someone else's 0:22:59.433 --> 0:23:02.133 life and understanding it so they're more than stories in 0:23:02.133 --> 0:23:03.393 a way, if that makes sense. 0:23:03.573 --> 0:23:05.333 It does. Battles. Yeah. For sure. 0:23:05.363 --> 0:23:08.543 It's really important to us that everything is accessible. Yes. 0:23:08.573 --> 0:23:12.503 So all these films are audio described and captioned. And, 0:23:12.533 --> 0:23:14.933 you know, when we do do events in person, that's 0:23:14.933 --> 0:23:17.153 a given that things will be audio described and captioned. 0:23:17.153 --> 0:23:19.552 But then we have a whole other range of access 0:23:19.553 --> 0:23:22.703 services that we make sure are embedded into the festival. 0:23:22.733 --> 0:23:25.553 You know, that's something that's been important since day one. 0:23:25.553 --> 0:23:27.533 So even 20 years ago, you know, one of the 0:23:27.563 --> 0:23:29.723 and one of the reasons why it's even called the 0:23:29.723 --> 0:23:33.863 Other Film Festival is back then, very few, if any 0:23:33.893 --> 0:23:39.113 mainstream film festivals offered audio description and captioning. And I 0:23:39.113 --> 0:23:41.303 mean a lot more do now, but it's often not 0:23:41.303 --> 0:23:45.803 the whole program. It's just selected films or selected sessions or, 0:23:45.833 --> 0:23:48.593 you know, even I know in mainstream cinemas it can 0:23:48.593 --> 0:23:51.803 still be very challenging to get access to the audio 0:23:51.803 --> 0:23:55.373 description for film. So that's just really important for us 0:23:55.373 --> 0:23:58.673 to try to really offer an equitable film festival experience 0:23:58.673 --> 0:23:59.603 for everyone. 0:23:59.633 --> 0:24:05.303 Moving on to the films Themselves, I understand, Fiona. There's 0:24:05.303 --> 0:24:10.133 a couple out there that particularly feature people who are 0:24:10.133 --> 0:24:14.033 blind or have low vision quite heavily. I'm quite interested 0:24:14.033 --> 0:24:17.453 to hear about those, if you were to tell us 0:24:17.453 --> 0:24:18.173 about that. 0:24:18.203 --> 0:24:21.263 Well, should I just say overall there's 11 films, there's 0:24:21.263 --> 0:24:26.153 three feature documentaries and then eight estranged short films, and 0:24:26.153 --> 0:24:28.673 two of those short films. There's one film called The 0:24:28.673 --> 0:24:33.503 Flower Man, which is about Otto, a young musician who 0:24:33.503 --> 0:24:36.893 grows competition orchids in his home under the flight path. 0:24:36.893 --> 0:24:38.933 And we join him in the final days before a 0:24:38.933 --> 0:24:43.013 major competition. And as we were talking just before, I think, 0:24:43.043 --> 0:24:45.683 you know, the actor who's in this, the main actor 0:24:45.683 --> 0:24:48.593 in this film, and he also composed the music, which 0:24:48.593 --> 0:24:50.213 is Nelson Rupert. 0:24:50.273 --> 0:24:50.903 That's right. 0:24:50.933 --> 0:24:55.583 Yep. And my understanding is also, Nelson collaborated quite closely 0:24:55.583 --> 0:25:00.293 on the script with the writer director Evangeline Reid. And 0:25:00.293 --> 0:25:02.963 this is a really it's a very beautiful film, but 0:25:02.963 --> 0:25:06.923 I think to the way it's constructed and framed is 0:25:06.923 --> 0:25:10.283 that Evangeline and Nelson really wanted to give an experience 0:25:10.283 --> 0:25:12.413 of just how you might experience the world if you 0:25:12.413 --> 0:25:14.123 are blind or have low vision, or may have some 0:25:14.123 --> 0:25:16.913 partial sight. So even the framing of how it is 0:25:16.913 --> 0:25:19.552 really explores that, and kind of so to me, it 0:25:19.553 --> 0:25:23.813 actually becomes very sort of cinematic because it's using both 0:25:23.813 --> 0:25:26.573 the visual medium and the soundtrack, along with the story 0:25:26.573 --> 0:25:29.213 and of course, the performances, you know, to create this 0:25:29.213 --> 0:25:31.733 very strong cinematic world. 0:25:31.763 --> 0:25:36.593 And how can people find out more about these movies, 0:25:36.593 --> 0:25:41.302 about the other film festival, or perhaps even more broadly, 0:25:41.303 --> 0:25:45.563 the work that Arts Access Victoria is doing in the 0:25:45.563 --> 0:25:47.153 disability space? 0:25:47.183 --> 0:25:49.313 I think the main thing, if you go to Arts 0:25:49.313 --> 0:25:54.503 Access Victoria's website, so it's arts access. Com.au and on 0:25:54.503 --> 0:25:57.233 our front page we've got a link and we're promoting, 0:25:57.263 --> 0:26:00.413 you know, the other film festival 224 which is sort 0:26:00.443 --> 0:26:02.923 of nickname is tough and you can link on that 0:26:02.923 --> 0:26:05.893 to there. And then there'll be a link going up 0:26:05.893 --> 0:26:08.773 soon or it's there now to how to book tickets, 0:26:08.773 --> 0:26:12.073 and it takes you to the ACMi cinema three website. 0:26:12.073 --> 0:26:15.073 And you can, as we said, all those are free. 0:26:15.103 --> 0:26:18.763 There's also quite a detailed access page that steps you 0:26:18.793 --> 0:26:21.823 through how to sign up for free so you can 0:26:21.823 --> 0:26:25.693 access ACMi cinema three to then watch the films. And 0:26:25.693 --> 0:26:30.073 it also explains how to access the audio description and 0:26:30.073 --> 0:26:32.893 or captions as well. And I'll just say so we're 0:26:32.893 --> 0:26:34.903 out of the films. I'm just on the ACMi cinema 0:26:34.933 --> 0:26:38.683 three site now. There's the three feature films which are 0:26:38.683 --> 0:26:41.473 rewards for The Try, which is a locally made Australian 0:26:41.473 --> 0:26:46.483 film featuring Restless Dance Theatre, which is a disability dance ensemble, 0:26:46.483 --> 0:26:50.322 and Chunky Move, their swimming pool from UK, which is 0:26:50.323 --> 0:26:53.593 made by a neurodivergent collective. And it sort of explores 0:26:53.623 --> 0:26:57.043 the world from an autistic perspective. And then a Canadian 0:26:57.043 --> 0:27:00.163 film called Leilani's Fortune. So each of those films you 0:27:00.163 --> 0:27:03.163 can sign up for individually, but for the short films, 0:27:03.163 --> 0:27:05.773 you can either sign up for each film individually, or 0:27:05.773 --> 0:27:08.863 you can just take the shorts bundle, and then you'll 0:27:08.863 --> 0:27:11.653 have all of the eight films come into your kind 0:27:11.653 --> 0:27:16.333 of library on your ACMi cinema. Three free membership on 0:27:16.333 --> 0:27:17.233 the platform. 0:27:17.263 --> 0:27:21.673 I've been speaking today with Fiona Twomey, chatting to me 0:27:21.673 --> 0:27:27.793 today about the upcoming other film festival, running from the 0:27:27.793 --> 0:27:32.503 3rd to the 16th of October through the Australian Centre 0:27:32.503 --> 0:27:37.363 for the Moving Image, otherwise known as ACMi. Fiona, thanks 0:27:37.363 --> 0:27:39.643 so much for your time today. It was great to 0:27:39.673 --> 0:27:42.613 catch up with you and chat all about Toff. 0:27:43.393 --> 0:27:46.063 Oh, thank you so much, Sam. And, um, thank you 0:27:46.063 --> 0:27:49.213 for having me and I hope everyone will go to 0:27:49.243 --> 0:27:52.663 ACMi cinema three and watch the other film festival. 0:27:59.403 --> 0:28:02.493 And that's all the time we have for today. You've 0:28:02.523 --> 0:28:06.723 been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision 0:28:06.753 --> 0:28:10.923 Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the 0:28:10.923 --> 0:28:15.123 show together every week. And remember, we love hearing from you. 0:28:15.123 --> 0:28:18.633 So please get in touch anytime on our email at 0:28:18.663 --> 0:28:23.973 Talking Vision. At Vision australia.org. That's talking vision all one 0:28:23.973 --> 0:28:28.803 word at Vision australia.org. But until next week it's Sam 0:28:28.803 --> 0:28:30.963 Colley saying bye for now. 0:28:34.563 --> 0:28:38.763 You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during 0:28:38.763 --> 0:28:50.613 business hours on 1300 847 486. That's 1300 847 486 or by visiting Vision australia.org. 0:28:50.643 --> 0:28:53.133 That's Vision australia.org.