Rites of Passage (ATOM Study Guide)

Rites of Passage (Phillip Crawford, 2013) is a feature-length drama made collaboratively with a group of young people who dive below the surface of their often-tough exteriors to reveal what's going on inside.

Filmed over three years by the community arts organisation Beyond Empathy (BE), six interwoven stories show the risk-taking, disappointment, joys and love that come with growing up. While their stories might be raw and brutal, they are also full of irreverence and humour.

The stories are based on their own experiences. They might battle homelessness or addictions. They might live in public housing or come from families that have known hardship. But their performances on the screen and behind the camera prove that disadvantage needn't dictate your future.

Curriculum links
This study guide to accompany Rites of Passage has been written for students in Years 10–12. It is relevant to studies of English, Media Studies, Health and Physical Education, Health and Human Development, Sociology, Psychology and VET Community Services. It can also be used to support the teaching of Pastoral Care programs.

Rites of Passage contains coarse language, sexual activity, crime, drug use, and sexual and domestic violence. Teachers are advised to preview the film before showing it to students.