About this Short Film
Rachel Anyon's My Cousin Rennie (Australia, 2021) offers a quiet, observant look at communication and connection among young people. The short highlights themes of autism, cognitive processing differences and intellectual disability, while attending to non-verbal expression, wheelchair use and the everyday lives of children and teenagers. Rather than dramatic declaration, the film trusts small gestures and moments to reveal ability and care, asking audiences to slow down and see what is often missed. Presented in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, it joins a program celebrating the talents, experiences and achievements of people with disability.
Film Details
Film Transcript
People even sometimes ask strange questions about Renny. "Is Renny autistic?" I don't know what autistic means, but I know she is artistic and her favourite colour is yellow toilet.
Sometimes I'm asked, "Why doesn't Renny talk?" What do you mean she can't talk? When she talks she uses her pod book, sign language and she's even learning to talk. That's it. You excited to go horse riding? I can't wait for her to say Ruby.
Another question I'm asked is, "Does Renny have a disability?" When she has so many abilities I didn't know she had a disability.
Do you wish it was normal? I don't know what it is about this question and it makes my aunties make a weird face. It's the face she makes when I put my dirty sock under her nose.
My auntie told me that if you are always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be. That must be true because not so long ago Renny was in a wheelchair. Granny has taught me never to quit, and magic happens when you don't give up. Now look at her go — she learned to run a job. She's even learning to skate. Renny really enjoys horse riding.
Keep up, aunties. We love having fun together, we love going on adventures together and we love being cousins. So instead of staring or asking awkward questions, how about you just ask, "Can we play?" because the answer will always be yes. Remember, she's a person, not the disability — or should I say, see Renny, not the disability.
Filmmaker
Rachel Anyon is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Rachel Anyon.
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A beautiful story of love in a wonderful family. It was a pleasure to watch and understand through the eyes of a cousin and friend showing no prejudice whatsoever
This is such an amazing video warms my heart I've loved Rennies journey and miss Ruby you're a beautiful soul and I'm so glad you got a chance to showcase yourself and Rennies abilities. There should be more in the world like you
Absolutely beautiful
Brilliant movie thanks for sharing
Wow. I know we all love Reni because of all the joy and fun she brings. Ruby show just what zla wonderful cousin she is. This film certainly does Focus on Ability and should be a winner 2021
Well done to the family it is an amazing short movie that shows love and support can overcome anything
Great job girls Such an inspiring video.
Great film
What an inspiring video Well done And Well done to Rennie for all her achievements.
Great job Ruby and Ren