A toast to inclusion – ACT Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability and Underground Spirits have partnered to bring a special treat to a special night. Photo: Lisa Clarke.
When Australian screen legend John Jarratt went to see a rugby match about a decade ago, he wasn’t expecting to find inspiration for one of his greatest works.
It was South Sydney versus Manly and seated nearby was a young man with Down Syndrome and his mum.
“I reckon she was about 70 and she was definitely there under sufferance,” John laughs.
“What really struck me was the pure joy he exuded throughout the match. He was utterly exuberant and every time South Sydney scored a try, it was like he’d found Mecca.
“We had a great day with him, high-fiving and carrying on. As we left the match, I turned to my mate Dave and said ‘I wonder what will happen to that bloke when his mum passes away’.”
That day, the premise of a new film took shape and John knew in that moment exactly who could play the title role.
What About Sal tells the story of a young man with Down Syndrome who, as his mother is dying from cancer, embarks on a journey to find his estranged father, a rock musician.
Sal is played by Gerard O’Dwyer, the star of Tropfest-winning short film Be My Brother.
“He’s one of the best actors I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” John says. “And I don’t mean one of the best Down Syndrome actors – I mean actor, full stop. We never had to go twice for his lines. He knew all of them and he probably knew mine better than I did.”
John and Gerard will speak about their experiences making the movie and inclusion in the film industry more generally at Inclusion & Cocktails – a spectacular evening of inclusion, community and celebration to raise funds for ACT Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability (ACTDSID).
The “Inclusion Cocktail” – a unique and specially curated drink by Underground Spirits for ACTDSID’s Inclusion & Cocktails event – symbolises the power of diversity and unity. Photo: Lisa Clarke.
The elegant cocktail-style evening at Eastlakes Football Club will feature an open bar with premium drinks, canapés, a silent auction and engaging entertainment, including dance group Xtreme Stars.
Bringing together advocates, community leaders and supporters, it will not only raise vital funds for the organisation but aims to inspire Canberra’s business community to embrace workplace inclusion.
“We figure the best way to do that is to create something fun, where people can network but also where we can showcase to people what true inclusion in the workplace looks like,” ACTDSID CEO Shannon Kolak says.
“People with intellectual disability will be working there and we hope the more the business community is exposed to seeing people with disability in a range of jobs, the closer we get to a truly inclusive world.”
A highlight of the evening will be the unveiling of the “Inclusion Cocktail” – a unique and specially curated drink by Underground Spirits, symbolising the power of diversity and unity.
The event will be complemented by a charity screening of What About Sal and Q&A with John and Gerard the following day.
Gerard says the film is an ideal vehicle for the organisation’s message.
“I won’t give it all away, for the moment I’ll just say this is really a film about acceptance and being included,” he says.
“Between Sal and me there’s a special bond. Sal is very playful, but he’s also very determined. He’s a man on a mission, he goes on this wild adventure, he struggles and he faces obstacles along the way. But in the end, it’s a film about a young man looking for his independence.”
It’s a message he hopes will resonate just as powerfully off screen with guests at Inclusion & Cocktails.
“Of course, there will be businesses there and I hope we can get the message out to them that it’s important to give people with intellectual disability employment opportunities. But most importantly, I want the guests to have fun,” he says. “Really, it’s a night of celebration.”
Inclusion & Cocktails takes place on Friday 9 May from 6:30 pm at Eastlakes Football Club, Gungahlin. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now – visit ACT Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability Association or contact Shannon Kolak at ceo@actdsid.org.au or 0408 646 857.
