Accessible Film Studies Program launches in the Blue Mountains

Bus Stop Films is heading to the Mountains to deliver its award-winning Accessible Film Studies Program for people with living with disability in partnership with Blue Mountains City Council.

Together, Bus Stop Films and Blue Mountains City Council will host a free series of taster workshops at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, so potential students can get a feel for the full year Accessible Film Studies Program, which kicks off in February 2022. The program delivers weekly, three-hour classes and is to be delivered on Monday mornings over 40-weeks. Bus Stop's expansion is supported by a Blue Mountains City of the Arts Grant, with their Blue Mountains launch happening alongside new programs in Adelaide and Brisbane, bringing their student cohort in 2022 edging towards 120 students, across 9 locations in 5 states. 

The Program is aimed at school leavers and adults living with an intellectual disability. Led by passionate filmmakers and industry experts, the Accessible Film Studies Program gives students exclusive opportunities to visit film production companies, work with professional filmmakers, learn both theoretical and practical approaches, and create award winning films through a film school experience. Program fees can be paid through a student’s NDIS package. Beyond their film industry exposure, students also develop improved social, communication and work ready skills. Our students have gone onto work on projects such as Marvel’s Thor: Love and Thunder, Masterchef and Survivor. 

Bus Stop Films Co-Founder, Blue Mountains resident Genevieve Clay-Smith says: “I am thrilled Bus Stop will be expanding to my local community. Our Program will bring together community and creativity, underpinned by the principles of inclusive filmmaking, which Bus Stop has championed for over 12 years.”

“The taster workshops are a great way for potential students to see what we do, how we do it, while building confidence in their abilities and having loads of fun in the process. The support from the Council has been brilliant, and being such a creative and welcoming community, it’s the perfect next stop for The Bus.”

Paul Brinkman, Arts and Cultural Services Manager, BMCC, says: “The Mountains is known for being a hub of creativity and community minded people, and we’re excited to partner with Bus Stop Films to connect to people living with disability, who want to learn and create in a supported environment. BMCC welcomes the program to the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, not only delivering creative education for people with disability, but also extending our engagement with local filmmakers."

The free taster workshops will be held at Blue Mountains Cultural Centre and bookings are essential as there are limited places. Post workshop refreshments will be provided and we encourage participants to stay and get to know each other and the BSF team.

●    Taster workshop 1: Monday 16 August 10.00am to 12.00 noon ●    Taster workshop 2: Monday 23 August 10.00am to 12.00 noon ●    Taster workshop 3: Monday 30 August 10.00am to 12.00 noon

  For more information and to register: https://www.busstopfilms.com.au/programs/