The Periscope Crew

The Periscope Crew came about last year, when local charity Soul Gestures Inc saw the talent in a bunch of young people with disabilities, and brought their talents together to form their very own film crew. The purpose of the crew is to tell stories from different perspectives, whilst building skills in film production, editing, interviewing and event management. The crew are working together with young Western Australian film-makers and creative mentors to fully participate in the screen and media industry here in WA. We are passionate about access and inclusion so another important priority is capacity-building the general population towards building inclusion in all areas of everyday life for people with disabilities. The Periscope Crew have been busy in our first year, producing a dance film with Dance Etc (which won Best Film at the Inspired Youth Dance Film Festival) and the short film ‘Boats’ which was highly-commended in the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival. We have partnered with All Abilities Football WA for the inaugural AFL Wheelchair Football League and their Inclusion Academy, Carers WA, Rugby WA, Trigg Island SLSC, Ascend Health, Special Olympics, the West Coast Eagles, Perth Football League, Aquatic Leisure Technologies and the ACC. Crew members have also been invited to participate in Access and Inclusion Committees and speak at schools. We have received funding for the first three episodes of a web series called ‘Our World’, which will be directed by individual Crew members. We know that The Periscope Crew have unique stories that haven’t been heard before – and believe that these young people have the talent to open up new pathways for young people with disabilities. Our amazing bunch are changing the way people view young people with disabilities every time they are on location. We are excited about the possibilities and know that The Periscope Crew is creating real opportunities for everybody to see the world ‘from every angle'.