TV Release Sought for Unique Film that Brings Hope for Those with Vision Loss
19 January, 2012
With the incidence of vision loss increasing, Guide Dogs Australia is seeking a TV network to broadcast its inspiring new documentary, titled Blind Sight, which showcases how six ordinary Australians cope with sight impairment.
Launched today, Thursday 19 January, at Sydney's Roseville Cinema, Blind Sight presents a unique glimpse into the lives of these people and how Guide Dogs Australia's many and varied services have supported them in dealing with their disability.
By prominent director Marco Ianniello, Blind Sight's subjects include a toddler discovering the world around her through sound, to a young woman using a long cane to help her graduate from uni and other adults who are sharing their lives with their trusted guide dogs.
While those featured in the 25-minute film are representative of the 12,000 people the organisation already works with every year, Guide Dogs Australia is concerned there are many more people who would benefit from its free services.
"We're looking for a TV network to screen this film to help spread the word that there is free help available for anyone experiencing problems getting around due to vision loss," said Charles Ulm, Guide Dogs' Marketing and Communications Manager.
"Research predicts that as the population ages, the number of people over 40 experiencing vision loss is going to increase to 800,000 by 2020*, but it can affect any one at any stage of their life."
The documentary highlights the one-on-one approach that Guide Dogs Australia's expert instructors take in delivering services, like training in how to use a long "guide" cane or a talking GPS mobile phone. It also provides a behind-the-scenes-look at how a playful puppy is trained to become a responsible guide dog.
Mr Ianniello said there was potential for a TV network to develop the film into a range of formats, including a feature length film, a one hour short or a TV series.
"All formats would suit a multi-narrative, multi-character structure. The training of guide dogs being used as the narrative spine, while the journey and progress of characters' stories form the emotional core," Mr Ianniello said.
"From fumbling puppies finding their way to instructors working with toddlers, to new instructor graduates heading into the field and the guide dog rookie working with its new owner, while the world of Guide Dogs is diverse, such natural parallels would allow for a compelling narrative suited to various formats."
For TV networks interested in the Blind Sight documentary, please call Charles Ulm, Guide Dogs' Marketing and Communications Manager on 02 9412 9300.
ENDS
MEDIA: Please contact: Sally Edgar, 0413 753 241 or media@guidedogs.com.au
Note to Editors:
- The Blind Sight synopsis is available on request
- Brief biographies about the characters in Blind Sight and director Marco Ianniello are provided below.
Reference:
* An Access Economics report commissioned by Vision2020 published in 2010, Clear Focus: The Economic Impact of Vision Loss in Australia in 2009, found that 575,000 Australians over the age of 40 experienced vision loss, including being blind, with this figure to increase to 800,000 by 2020.
Blind Sight Subject Biographies
Ariana
Eighteen-month-old Ariana has no vision. With the help of her mobility instructor, Carole, Blind Sight sees her discover her way through the world using her ears and hands alone. Her discovery of sound, following music and feeling her way is captivating. Being such a young child, she has much to learn. While Ariana takes her first steps, she has a huge journey ahead of her, and so many things to learn about her world. Capturing some of that on camera, you can't help but be moved by the challenges she faces.
Suzie and guide dog Halley
Suzie has been blind for more than 22 years, but she hasn't let that stop her. She travelled the world on a yacht for eight years and claims she has seen more than most would ever dream of. Valuing her independence and mobility, two years ago Suzie started working with a guide dog, Halley and the freedom, confidence and friendship has changed her life. Clearly her best friend, Suzie and Halley have a playful yet trusting relationship. Suzie works as a motivational speaker and Halley joins her wherever she goes. Suzie's inspiring story is one of exploring the
world and finding a home with a new friend.
Nate
Three-year-old Nate has an adventurous spirit and wanders around his mum's property like any normal toddler. But as he grows, his vision will deteriorate and even now he is tentative in unfamiliar surroundings. With help from his mobility instructor Vanessa, Nate is in the early stages of learning how to navigate his way with the help of a long cane. As he learns, we will see his confidence outside his family home grow. Learning skills with the cane now, Guide Dogs is assisting him in preparing for a life with limited vision ahead.
Oliver the guide-dog-puppy
Oliver the guide-dog-puppy is well looked after by his volunteer Puppy Raiser who becomes very attached. But Oliver is destined for life as a guide dog and after graduating from intensive training is matched with Celina, who also, but for different reasons, can't imagine life without him.
Colin
At 77 years of age Colin defies the stereotype often associated with a man of this vintage. His sight has been deteriorating for the past 10 years but it hasn't held him back. Convinced his 'long cane' is guiding him, he spends most of his time travelling all over Sydney well beyond his Ryde home, preferring to have a drink with tourists in Manly than the 'seniors' club nearby. He is currently learning to use GPS on his mobile phone to help him get around as he battles his local council to improve road safety for the vision impaired. Even before Guide Dogs began assisting Colin, he decided to donate him home to the organisation when he passes away. A former ice skater who travelled the world mixing with the likes of Grace Kelly and Elvis Presley, Colin's story will go beyond nostalgia to a ripping yarn.
Nastasia
Her schedule is like any other 21 year old, parties, university, travelling the world. Nastasia gracefully walks the streets with her long cane and is now excited by the voice activated GPS on her phone. On the brink of graduating from university, a radio career is just around the corner. She volunteers for community radio stations FBi and 2SER and in the coming weeks will travel to Byron Bay to report on the 'Splendour in the Grass' music festival. Blind since birth, Nastasia epitomises the independence that can come from working with Guide Dogs from an early age. She has since travelled overseas independently and now works as a radio journalist.
About Director Marco Ianniello
Marco Ianniello is an independent film writer, director and producer, whose directorial credits include ABC documentaries Playing in the Shadows and the Graeme Bell All Stars Play On.