About this Short Film
The Art of Aphasia, directed by Laura Thompson (Australia, 2019), is a short film that invites audiences to consider aphasia and how it alters communication and perception. Rather than offering simple explanation, it uses striking visual and sound choices to open up different viewpoints on congenital and acquired disability, and on the group dynamics that shape care and understanding. Presented as part of the Focus on Ability festival, the film highlights the abilities and experiences of people with disability rather than reducing them to diagnosis. Quiet, thoughtful and often surprising, it prompts viewers to listen differently and to reflect on the many ways people express themselves.
Film Details
Film Transcript
Last July I had a stroke, and I also have a problem with seizures. After my stroke I got a sort of aphasia. After that it's really hard to understand what people are saying, what questions they are asking me. I really struggle to concentrate on what I'm writing, what I'm reading, what I'm painting. At first, for a long time, I didn't really understand a lot of stuff. I had problems with things such as taking money out of the bank, for example. I showed them a note saying I've had a stroke and I've had a seizure, and they didn't really understand me. Because I wasn't in a wheelchair and I didn't have an obvious problem with walking, they didn't really understand, and it was a big issue. It is a big issue. A lot of people you see there—many are paralysed or have had an accident; for example, they don't talk or they lie in bed.
I'm really interested in doing different things, painting. I'm very interested, and if someone could give me an opportunity to paint that would be great. I like that red in the sky; you said there's not enough white, so try and do a little bit more detail. Here they really understand that—I don't know—I would like to be a teacher to inspire people. When people give me these sorts of paintings I feel like I've really achieved. This one I thought was amazing, fantastic. I love this sort of work. This is great. He's a very nice guy—you should see him out there. It's amazing, much better made.
Well, I think people will move on, be more interesting and free, putting quite a goal. What I really want is for people not to be negative but very positive: go and do it, make no mistakes, do lots more, more and more, and not worry if I'm slow now. Please, you have to be really understanding of what I say; be more patient. I really wanted to say something to you, but I can't say it with the right understanding. Even speaking to you on the phone or writing on the phone, everything gets confusing and then people say, "Could you do it again?" Especially when people are unkind—others are pretty nice, you know.
Filmmaker
Laura Thompson is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Laura Thompson.
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Wow Al You are truly amazing inspiring and an absolute legendVic always keeps me up to date with your news. Stay well and happy.Emily.xx.
Met Alistair once a few years ago at his Sister Vic's house. Wonderful artist. Amongst the negativity of the world and the new stories this is so inspiring. How a man can take such a challenge and then use it to inspire help others. Alistair makes me feel very humble and grateful - for what I have today my home my family my health. He makes me aware this could all change tomorrow and if so I hope and pray i can rise to the .challenge and go on to help others and live a life of deep meaning. Thank you for this film
Exceptional Man An amazing project.
This is a spectacular short film so positive and gives so much hope. Keep spreading the high vibes Laura
We need to hear the voices of more people with aphasia. There is so much we can learn from them not only about communication but also about courange persevereance and reminding us to stay positive and follow what gives us joy.Well done on a heartwarming and inspirational video
So inspiring. Another mesns of expression
What an inspirational story for us all. Brilliant to hear you Alistair explaining what the experience of aphasia has been for you and how you have resolved to find creative ways to keep communicating even at those times when it might have been difficult to find the right words. I found this very moving and most helpful for people suffering from aphasia for their families and for speech pathologists like myself who strive to find ways to help our clients to find their voice again - one way or another. Congratulations on a wonderful project and film.
Thank you for the inspiring video
So proud of my sisters brother-in-law Alistair who is overcoming his stroke seizures aphasia with his positivity love of art. Kudos to my sister his brother Nick in Australia his supportive sisters in the U.K.This film doesnt quite capture the harrowing journey of illnesses amazing recovery Al our family have been going through.Paint ON Al..
Oh Al You have always been out there with your original amazing paintings of nature surroundings of anything and everything really........ and generous in gifting of your postcard paintings. Taking the opportunity now to -Thank you for your beautiful gift of paintings.To continue with your passion and love of painting to enthuse others with Aphasia is infectiously inspiring. Keep on keeping on Al- your positive hope infused painting classes focused on creativity will always be very beneficial to all.
What a great insight into the power of art to provide a different means of expression and to motivate you Alistair to share your love of art with others. Your story about the bank really described the impact of aphasia on people very clearly...and ik loved the way your words were interspersed with text - nice editing Laura. I hope that the experience has enriched both of your lives...and I hope we see many more such stories
Fantastic video and a wonderful example of never giving up and inspiring others through something you love
Good on you Alistair. Great to see and hear you again and glad to see your intelligence doesnt seem to be impacted on. Tight lines.
Very inspiring. Xk
Wonderful Alastair you are great to bring so much joy to others and help them feel good about themselves.
Well done Alistair for inspiring those in your art class to create paintings which they would never have thought possible. Learning what it is like for Alistair and Sonya to have aphasia reminds us to slow down and even more importantly to treat people with aphasia with the utmost respect..Congratulations also to Laura the film maker for this wonderful film.It was inspirational to see how getting involved as a group leader has helped Alistair feel empowered again.When words dont come easily being able to express oneself in art and encouraging others to do likewise can be life changing.
Bravo Bravo Alistair. I treasure the wee paintings you did for us of Bouc Bel Air. Great to see you teaching and sharing your positivity with us. Keep up the terrific work. Andrew Tracey
Well done Alistair. Both interesting and inspirational.Keep up the good work
Very moving inspirational well done to all concerned especially Alistair who spoke so well gives hope to all who are suffering.
Hi Alistair - I love that you have taken time to put this together. i didn't know what Aspasia was - I'd never heard the term and yet i know i have seen this in other people who have had similar conditions to yours. I'm a true believer that art is a conduit for creativity and creativity to me is the basis of all healing. I loved watching this and i'm so pleased that your condition has improved - you look terrific - congratulations on another success
Congratulations Laura on your empathetic video giving insight into how stroke victims struggle with communication. Alistair was inspiring articulate.
Incredibly moving film and a great way to learn about aphasia a condition which doesn't get a lot of publicity. Well done to Alistair Sonja the class painters and the fabulous speech pathologist and filmmaker Laura Thompson
Wow Alistair...first of all you look fantastic.. Your message and attitude is inspiring... there are many ways to communicate - sharing your artistic skills with others brings to light pathways through painting...well done everyone...
I was really moved by this. It made me reflect on the challenges around communication disabilities and the real importance of the therapies you and the team provide for our community thank you Laura
You are amazing this is beautiful and you chose such a wonderful cast So heartfelt and easy to understand for us novices
I am so moved and inspired by this - it really helps to clarify the issues around aphasia.
What an Inspirational Video well done.
What are lovely surprise to see that film and a great intiative .
So inspiring Wonderful that this story has a focus on Ability as opposed to disability
Excellent Well done Laura. A great insight into the lived experience of aphasia