Perspective Shift (ATOM Study Guide)

Series Synopsis

Perspective Shift is a three-part documentary series which explores the triumphs and trials of three of Australia's top practitioners in the arts industries, who also happen to be people with disability. Each episode features an individual excelling in an area of the Arts and explores their craft and their life experiences. The series highlights the valuable contributions to our society that each of these creatives makes and sheds light on the barriers that they have encountered or continue to endure.

Episode 1: Daniel Monks | Actor & Filmmaker

Daniel Monks is the first Australian filmmaker to have received the Busan Bank Award at the Busan International Film Festival for his acclaimed independent feature film, Pulse – a story about a gay, disabled teenager who undergoes a body swap procedure to try to make his best friend fall in love with him.

Told at thirteen that his career as an actor would be limited due to his physical impairment, Daniel was nervous to pursue his dreams. He boldly took on the risk to write the script of Pulse and rose to the occasion in the lead role, earning himself a nomination for Best Lead Actor at the 2018 AACTA Awards.

Through Daniel's journey, we discover what it takes to resurrect and see through a dream long believed unattainable and impossible.

Episode 2: Prue Stevenson | Visual Artist

Prue Stevenson is one of Australia's top emerging visual artists, having exhibited and performed her artwork nationally, including notably at Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.

Prue's art practice was birthed from her identity as an autistic woman and is an integral way that she connects with the world around her. Many of her art pieces invite audiences into her autistic culture, sharing and celebrating her unique Prue version of Autism.

We too are invited into Prue's story, travelling through the triumphs and the trials, on her journey to becoming a leading artist in Australia.

Episode 3: Jana Castillo | Dancer

Jana Castillo is one of Australia's leading female contemporary dancers, who has performed with the prestigious Australian Dance Theatre and was recipient of the 2018 Australian Dance Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Dancer.

Growing up in regional Victoria, it was evident from a young age that Jana was born for the stage. As a child, Jana excelled at ballet, often sacrificing social time for rehearsals and eisteddfods. She went on to study dance full-time at leading institutions in Australia and New Zealand, furthering her career with performance contracts and secondments.

As her career progressed, Jana acquired impairments, which led her on a new journey of self-discovery and advocacy. Her dedication and passion for her art are infectious and her undeniable skill and artistry is challenging perceptions of disability in the dance industry.

Through Jana's journey, we encounter the dedication and passion required to become one of Australia's most acclaimed contemporary dancers.

Curriculum Links:

This study guide to accompany Perspective Shift has been written for students in Years 9–12.

In Years 9–10, it provides information and suggestions for learning activities in the following learning areas:

• English
• The Arts
• Physical Education and Health

In Years 11 and 12, Perspective Shift is a suitable text for students undertaking the following subjects:

• Community and Family Studies
• English
• Ethics
• Health and Human Development
• Media
• Society and Culture
• VCAL Literacy and Personal Development Skills

Teachers should consult the study designs and curriculum outlines relevant to these subjects in their state or territory.

Students should be briefed about the content and purpose of Perspective Shift before viewing. Teachers need to provide students with a safe and supportive classroom environment, particularly those students who may have a disability or live with family members with disability. Teachers need to respect the personal circumstances of these students and remain aware of their sensitivities. These students may be willing to share their experiences and understandings of the ideas and issues explored in Perspective Shift with the class.

Teachers are advised to preview Perspective Shift before classroom screenings.

Perspective Shift is also available to stream here.