Pieces (ATOM Study Guide)

An art teacher and her recovery class are commissioned to make the backdrop for a professional dance performance. As a documentary film crew records the process, they uncover the incredible personal stories of the students and their battles with mental illness. These experiences not only mould and transform the final performance, but also their lives and the life of their teacher. Pieces is an independent feature film commissioned by the not-for-profit Western Australian-based mental health organisation HelpingMinds. HelpingMinds provides services and support for mental health carers and people living with mental health challenges. Pieces was nominated for two Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards in 2022; Best Indie Film and Best Costume Design in Film and for an Australian Directors' Guild Award for Best Direction in Narrative Feature Under $1m.

Curriculum Links:

Pieces can be linked to the following subject areas within the Australian Curriculum:

• Year 10 English
• Year 10 Health and Physical Education
• Year 10 Media Arts

In addition, Pieces relates directly to the following General Capabilities within the Australian Curriculum:

• Critical and Creative Thinking
• Personal and Social Capability
• Ethical Understanding