KUALA LUMPUR: An inspiring local short film on disability is one of the finalists for an Australian competition on empowering disabled people.
The story of Hairuman Miskon is one of bravery, fighting spirit and determination.
A victim of a high voltage electrocution accident, Hairuman’s two hands and left leg had to be amputated by doctors in order to save his life.
But the young man did not give up. Now, just like any other abled bodied person, he plays football, drives a car and holds a job.
Hairuman’s story is chronicled in a short film, produced by Qaisworks Sdn Bhd, which has been shortlisted as a finalist for the 2017 Focus On Ability Short Film Awards under the International Films category.
Organised by NOVA Employment, Australia, for the ninth year running, the objective of the Focus On Ability (FOA) competition is to encourage filmmakers to focus on the ability of people with disabilities.
The four-minute film, titled Brave, will compete with 52 other international entries from 18 countries, according to its producer, Yaya Abu Bakar. The winning submission will be determined by public voting online.
“We want to show that people with disabilities can actually meet challenges, overcome them and are able to do wondrous things.
“We also hope that the short film will inspire and motivate the general public to excel in whatever they do,” she said.
Yaya explained that Brave was the result of her various encounters with disabled individuals such as Hairuman, who had the ability to pick themselves up and continue on with life despite the tragedies that struck them.
“I was amazed at their strength, determination and spirit, which inspired me and the crew of the production house to create this piece of work.
“As a young man, I consider it a miracle that Hairuman was able to accept the fact of his situation in a positive manner wholeheartedly.
“It’s certainly not easy at all to continue on with life like that, especially when he is also an orphan,” she said.
Yaya hopes that Malaysians everywhere will support this noble effort by voting for Brave.
She added: “A win will not merely be a personal achievement for us but for Malaysia and will help to showcase the abilities of our people to the world.”
This year’s FOA competition drew a record number of submissions with 209 entries, via five categories: Australia & New Zealand Schools Documentary, Australia & New Zealand Schools Short Film, Australian Open Documentary, Australian Open Short Film and International Award.
Last year saw Uganda and Sri Lanka emerging as winners of the FOA international section. The competition also featured screenings in New Zealand, New York and Zimbabwe.
On the website, NOVA Employment CEO, Martin Wren, is quoted as saying: “FOA gives us fantastic insight into how society’s attitudes are changing towards people with disability. Not just Australian society, but around the world.”
Voting is currently open and concludes on August 7. Watch the short film Brave and cast your vote at www.focusonability.com.au