by FilmInk Staff
Bus Stop Films opens 2027 enrolments and brings PLACES to Brisbane
Australia’s leading inclusive filmmaking organisation invites young people with intellectual disability or autism to find their creative home in 15 locations nationally, as Boss Cat heads to cinemas.
Enrolments are now open for Bus Stop Films’ 2027 Accessible Filmmaking Program, offering young people with intellectual disability or autism the chance to build friendships, develop real skills and explore employment pathways through filmmaking.
The program runs in all capital cities plus Parramatta, Coffs Harbour, Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Cairns, Gold Coast and Launceston, and in 2027 it grows again with the launch of PLACES in Brisbane. PLACES is a 20-week advanced program for filmmakers with disability who are ready to take their skills to the next level.
Designed as a supportive post-school option, the Accessible Filmmaking Program gives participants a creative environment where they can thrive. Each week, participants work alongside experienced filmmakers to write, shoot, act in and edit their own short films.
Along the way, participants build confidence, communication and teamwork skills, form lasting friendships and gain hands-on experience across every part of production. For many, the program is a first step towards paid work in the screen industry and beyond, supported by Bus Stop Films’ employment pathways.
Introducing PLACES in Brisbane
PLACES stands for Peer-led filmmaking, Leadership, Advocacy opportunities, Creativity and artistic outlets, Employment pathways, and Social and community connections.
The program is for people living with disability who have completed previous filmmaking courses or have measurable on-the-job experience in filmmaking. Over 20 weeks, participants progress their skills and build greater capacity in filmmaking and employability.
Participants choose one of three specialist streams:
- Directing
- Screenwriting
- Camera and Lighting
It is an exciting time to join. Boss Cat, Australia’s first fully inclusively made feature film, directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith and staring Bus Stop Films participant Olivia Hargroder, opens in cinemas nationally on International Day of People with Disability, 3 December. The film is produced by Bus Stop together with WeirAnderson Films and distributed by Madman Entertainment.
Bus Stop Films CEO Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM said the timing could not be better for new participants.
“Boss Cat shows Australia what happens when people with disability are given a genuine seat at the table in filmmaking. That same spirit is at the heart of every one of our workshops,” Ms Corbin-Matchett said.
“Our program is a place where young people can be themselves, make friends, learn real industry skills and see a future for themselves in the creative industries. We are so proud to be bringing PLACES to Brisbane and welcoming even more families into the Bus Stop Films community in 2027.”
See the program in action
Families, carers and community members curious about the program can see it for themselves at Bus Stop Films’ National Showcase Tour, with tickets on sale now. The tour screens short films made by participants from across the country, celebrating their creativity, talent and hard work on the big screen.
“The Showcase is a fantastic way to understand what we do,” Ms Corbin-Matchett said. “Come along, watch the films and meet the people who made them. It is a night at the movies, you won’t forget.”
The tour visits 14 locations between 27 November and 11 December 2026. Tickets are available at collections.humanitix.com/showcase-2026.
| Date | Location |
| Friday 27 November | Sydney |
| Sunday 29 November | Melbourne |
| Monday 30 November | Hobart |
| Tuesday 1 December | Launceston |
| Tuesday 1 December | Adelaide |
| Wednesday 2 December | Darwin |
| Thursday 3 December | Cairns |
| Friday 4 December | Perth |
| Monday 7 December | Canberra |
| Tuesday 8 December | Gold Coast |
| Wednesday 9 December | Coffs Harbour |
| Thursday 10 December | Wollongong |
| Thursday 10 December | Blue Mountains |
| Friday 11 December | Brisbane |
How to enrol
Enrolments for the 2027 Accessible Filmmaking Program, including PLACES Brisbane, are open now at busstopfilms.com.au/programs.
Fees apply. Places are limited.
Image: Olivia Hargroder with Kimmie Tsukakoshi
