BRAD’S STORY PROJECT
This blog post details Brad’s role in the Centre for Stories new initiative, as the centre crafts an exciting new program tailored for supporting disabled story-tellers. The centre worked closely with 12 local artists who live with a disability to learn about the impact and role stories/art has had on their life. The program accumulated in a big storytelling night. Throughout the process, Brad worked hard on a short film, documenting his love for his mum. This film is currently still being developed!
Working Sessions / Centre for Stories
I found it relaxing going into the Centre for Stories every couple weeks, I worked there with Lakshmi and Alison. Lakshmi and Alison were very nice, I liked working with them. I would draw and tell stories about my mum. Talking about her made me feel teary.
The Process / Filming with Ali
The first time we tried creating my film, we filmed outside. It was so windy! I kept saying to myself, ‘Go away wind, go away!’ It was distracting and hard to hear Ali. So next time, we filmed inside my apartment. I felt more relaxed in my home, but almost nervous because I knew Ali was filming. But when she recorded me making coffee, I just threw the pods straight in! It was too easy for me. Ali did filming well, she even stood on a chair. (Without falling off!) I thought, ‘What in the world is she doing!?
Some parts were hard, for instance, Ali and I had to be silent for some shots, that felt weird, being so tight-lipped. Other times, I had to repeat myself because we ran out of camera memory. It felt different telling my stories on camera, but also comfortable. I had fun, I’m usually tired at that time of day, but when we were filming I didn’t feel tired, I felt happy. I’ve actually been on tv before, Anne Conti interviewed me, with lots of cameras everywhere. I was so nervous, but Anne Conti was good to me.
The Storytelling Night / Centre for Stories
It was exciting, seeing everyone else part of the program. I thought Naomi - who hosted the night - did so well. She was wonderful and gave us all instructions. When she called out my name I thought, ‘Whaaaaat me?! Brad…who’s Brad? Not me!’ I was excited seeing my film and seeing myself - in all my glory. When it finished, they all applauded me. That made me happy. I felt pleased when people came up to me afterwards and told me stories about their mum. People were even crying at the end of my film.
Seeing all the others with disabilities there made me feel emotional. It reminded me of my friend David, who I used to work with. When I moved away, he just went out of the picture. He was a good friend. I truly liked David.
