Hawkesbury residents aged 17 and over can apply for Bus Stop Films’ 2027 program or see what participants have made at a December showcase in Katoomba.
Aspiring filmmakers from the Hawkesbury can get behind the camera, write a script or direct actors and try editing through Bus Stop Films’ 2027 Accessible Filmmaking Program, with enrolments now open for workshops in Parramatta and Katoomba.
The 40-week program is open to autistic people and people with mild to moderate intellectual disability aged 17 and over. Participants spend three hours a week working with experienced filmmakers and can collaborate with professional cast and crew on a film project. The program also includes excursions and opportunities to explore screen industry workplaces.
Parramatta workshops are scheduled for Saturdays from 9.30am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Katoomba workshops are scheduled for Mondays from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Bus Stop Films lists Western Sydney University and the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre as its respective venues. Each location needs at least nine participants to run.
The enrolment drive comes ahead of the national cinema release of Boss Cat on 3 December, International Day of People with Disability. Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, the feature stars Bus Stop Films participant Olivia Hargroder.
“Boss Cat shows Australia what happens when people with disability are given a genuine seat at the table in filmmaking,” Bus Stop Films chief executive Tracey Corbin-Matchett said. “That same spirit is at the heart of every one of our workshops.”
Families can see short films made by program participants at the Blue Mountains Showcase in Katoomba on Thursday, 10 December, from 6pm to 9pm, at 1 Violet Street. Tickets are $25 general admission or $10 for concession holders and students. The films will be captioned, Auslan interpreters will be present and accessible seating is available. Katoomba showcase tickets.
Enrolments close Monday, 14 December 2026. Fees Apply. An online information session covering the program and Bus Stop Films’ employment services will run on Wednesday, 25 November, from 6pm to 7pm. Program details and enrolment · Information sessions.
Bus Stop Films is an Australian disability-led not-for-profit that helps people with disability make films and find work in the screen industry. Filmmakers Genevieve Clay-Smith and Eleanor Winkler founded it in 2009 after their short film Be My Brother, made with people with intellectual disability, won Tropfest. It now runs programs at 15 locations across Australia and helps connect Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people with paid work in film and media.
