Synopsis
AUSSIE HANDS MICRO DOCUMENTARY SERIES: SHORT SYNOPSIS
Having a hand difference may be considered a disadvantage but not for the extraordinary members of the Aussie Hand Foundation. Through following a day in the life of three unique subjects with hand differences, learn about the incredible struggles, momentous triumphs and inspirational stories which come from their unflinching persistence and resilience which has changed their lives. Two micro documentaries, two about the inspirational adults of the organisation and one about the young adult overcoming the obstacles to be successful in his career.
AUSSIE HANDS MICRO DOCUMENTARY SERIES: LONG SYNOPSIS
For Julie McNally and Mike Bromley, growing up with a hand difference wasn’t easy, there was no support out there for them growing up and fitting in and being like everyone else was sometimes impossible for them.
Julie McNally was born with missing fingers on her left hand. Julie’s story explores a day in her life, taking the audience through a journey of the seemingly simple tasks, which constantly challenge and strengthen Julie. Julie is an adult living with a hand difference but she isn’t the one, Mike Bromley, born with (…) has propelled himself into every daily challenge that comes his way. Mike story is compared with Julie, seeing the similarities between the two Aussie Hands Foundation members, how despite however demanding, frustrating, taxing or painful the task is, Mike and Julie have their own unique way of approaching it. Julie who works for Aussie Hands in an executive officer role, fundraisers, organisers and heavily devotes time to Aussie Hands Foundation. Aussie Hands reached to Julie when she believed there was no support for her or others with hand differences. Julie documents her life with a hand difference and through her commitment to Aussie Hands how it has changed her life and how that has inspired to help change the lives of others in the organisation. Mike Bromley has started a family with healthy children and is a very active member of the community, always doing large-scale marathons, donating generously to Aussie Hands and always being there for when mentoring is needed for younger members of the organisation. Mike’s capacity to help the organisation through the confidence and the renewed hope he received from the organisation has made him committed to the organisation. Visually though comparing the two adult subjects, there will often be a split screen showing from similar angles different tasks. Through the variety of answers the two subjects will give about their daily lives and their abilities often they will finish each other’s sentences on certain subject matter. The two adult members of Aussie Hands with hand differences are two determined people who through their struggles in their earlier life have overcome the pains and rigours of having a hand difference and became strong mentors and players in the organisation inspiring others to be proud of their hand difference and never give up on their abilities.
Dave may seem pretty confident on the surface but he’s a young man who has endured a lot of heartache in order to be where is he today. Dave was born with three missing fingers on the right hand and as a child despite facing numerous challenges with hands on task, Dave never backed down creating his determination and strong will traits that put him in good stead through his junior school days. The film explores a day in the life of Dave Serpell he speaks of those early days at school, how the immaturity of his peers and the misunderstanding of his hands often led to senseless bullying and torment. Despite these obstacles Dave remained strong, never backing down from a challenge. Dave is currently doing his electrical apprenticeship, despite the trade being predominately hands on this does not phase Dave, his endeavour to work hard and his ability to do the hardest tasks has brought him great success in his career so far. Dave takes us on his work site and shows us what is involved in the daily practise of an apprentice. The visual style of the film captures his unique capabilities when using his hands with many close ups of his hands working hard and his strong emotions in his sharp focus on his face. The documentary takes us into the confinements of Aussie Hands allowing us to see Dave’s strong influence on the organisation, how he was the motive for the organisation. Dave through his confident facade and his beaming smile Dave takes us into his motivational role at the organisation, inspiring young children who have hand differences to be confident and happy with their hand differences and not let anyone get them down. The documentary often through some symbolism such as a school uniforms, tools and other visuals related to the subject matter work effectively alongside Dave’s description through his younger life at school and the difficulties he faced. Dave journey leads him to a successful apprenticeship where he uses his determination and skills with his hands to give him the best possible opportunity to succeed in his career. Dave is shown also mentoring; being there for younger members with a hand difference and on a microphone speaking in front of a crowd promoting the organisation that without him wouldn’t exist. Showing his hand in his craft, showing his facial expressions, his confident demeanour and the way he communicates and helps others through tracking shots, close ups, pans and through Dave speaking directly to the audience, it allows for a closer connection and a deeper understanding of his compassion.
The two micro documentaries detail the compelling lives of three inspirational adults with hand differences sharing their strong message of a never give up, never give in and never see the difference as a disadvantage. Through their daily lives, their adjustments and motivations to everyday tasks have allowed them to live extraordinary lives and contribute positively to the Aussie Hands Foundation and give the many young members of the organisation hope, encouragement and inspiration for the future.