Feature Narrative / 2022 / Australia / 56min / Directed by Bruce Gladwin

Official Selection: Rotterdam

Official Selection: SXSW

Every once in a while a film appears that blows a bracing wind that it forces you to consider storytelling in ways that you hadn’t considered previously.

Shadow is that kind of film.

Simon, Scott and Sarah, a trio of activists with intellectual disabilities, hold a town hall meeting about the future impacts of artificial intelligence. Simon, considering himself a saviour for the community, quickly appoints himself the mayor, and Scott reluctantly steps into the role of facilitator, but soon becomes enamoured with his own power and begins to dismiss the experiences of others. Sarah, often overlooked and underestimated by her counterparts, explodes, confronting the self-appointed leaders on their inadequacies. What begins as a polite discussion quickly descends into bickering and chaos, seemingly provoked by a force within. Sarah acts to unite the group, only to realise the battle to get their message across may be lost already.

In its structure, simplicity and authenticity, it’s simply a knockout.

Produced by Geelong’s acclaimed Back to Back Theatre, and playing out like a live performance, this picture is produced and performed by a disabled team that sparkles throughout. One of our 2022 favourites.

Buy Tickets: 15 July 2022, 5.30pm, DADAA Cinema, Fremantle

Buy Tickets: 16 July 2022, 3:45pm, Luna Cinemas, Leederville