Award-winning Shepparton-born filmmaker Diana Fisk will present a special screening of her powerful documentary True Vision in her hometown later this month.
True Vision tells the emotional story of her son Alfie, 6, who was diagnosed with the rare eye condition nystagmus at four months old. The film documents Ms Fisk's determination to provide a fulfilling future for Alfie, and to not let his condition define him.
When Alfie was diagnosed, Ms Fisk said she did what every curious new mother would do. She Googled the word nystagmus.
What she found horrified her.
‘‘It was overwhelming,’’ she said.
‘‘People talked about social isolation, bullying, abuse, embarrassment when they described the sort of life Alfie could look forward to.’’
As a filmmaker, Ms Fisk felt she had to do something, not just for Alfie, but for other parents in her situation. She looked for someone who had beaten the challenges of impairment and someone who understood the challenges ahead.
Ms Fisk didn’t find just anybody — she found Paralympian Jessica Gallagher, who, despite being diagnosed with the rare eye disease cone dystrophy at 17, has represented Australia in three different sports and is the first Australian athlete to win medals at both the winter and summer games.
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Today, she is classified as legally blind, and is training for a place on the Australian Paralympic rowing team. She also works as a motivational speaker and an osteopath.
Ms Gallagher's inspirational story forms part of the message told in True Vision, that with determination and hope, people can break down barriers and overcome life's difficulties.
“When Diana reached out to me with her story it really resonated. I remember my mum being told I had a rare eye disease and we said ‘what does this mean?’ It was a scary moment,” Ms Gallagher said.
“I really hope this film will help to break down stereotypes about disability and inspire people to ask why not, instead of just why?" she said.
True Vision premiered on the ABC’s Compass program in March last year.
Now, Vision Australia and the documentary's production team has announced a national tour of the film after its Shepparton screening, on March 20 from 2 pm to 3.30 pm.
Ms Gallagher will join Ms Fisk and a Vision Australia therapist for a panel discussion after the screening at The Vault, off Maude St, Shepparton.
To register for tickets to the free event go to https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/true-vision-shepparton-screening-qa-tickets-144305693213