Life in Me (2023), film still

Life in Me

2023 • International Documentaries
Filmmaker: Tifa Tong

About this Short Film

#Autism #Child #Cognitive Processing Disability #Individual #Teenager Child

Life in Me (Tifa Tong, New Zealand, 2023) is a compact, thoughtful film that reflects on themes of autism, cognitive processing disability and the experience of growing up. Rather than telling a fixed story, it offers moments that suggest a young person's perspective, showing how small gestures, sensory detail and everyday routines shape understanding and identity. Shot with care, the film invites viewers to slow down and notice abilities often overlooked. Included in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, Life in Me offers a sensitive, human contribution to our program, highlighting the experiences and achievements of people with disability.

Film Details

Country: New Zealand
Category: International Documentaries
Genre: Animation
Festival Year: 2023
Filmmaker: Tifa Tong

Film Transcript

Hello folks, my name is Teva Tong, you know, one of the children with autism and all. At first, I don't know what to say in this video, but I had to confess this to you. My life with autism was like a gift to me. Ever since the day I was born, and when I was born under the rain, the gentle rain, and given the name Teva, which means the gift of God. And when I found out I have autism, I heard that, I was told that people said it about me, that having autism makes me feel different, but also special. My life, my drawing, my beautiful voice, and my interest of everything I like, video games, and my entire life were all beautiful. My smile is beautiful. My happiness is beautiful. Every day, every year, and all the times whenever I felt happy, there is light. And when there is light, there are people. And when there is people, there's me. Thank you for watching.

Filmmaker

Tifa Tong is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Tifa Tong.

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15 comments
D
Danielle Lee 28/03/2024

Sending you lots of Aroha - well done Tifa

C
Cilla Brown 27/03/2024

Yay Tifa Alofa atu

M
Matt Brown 29/08/2023

Well done. Thanks for sharing with us.

L
Littlechief Jocelyn 17/08/2023

Beautiful sweet baby girl

G
Grace Harrison 16/08/2023

Lovely to hear your beautiful voice and to understand what your name means.

J
Julie Cates 14/08/2023

Well done Tifa

L
Lizzie Walsh 14/08/2023

Beautiful well done Tifa

P
Pella Perston 14/08/2023

Fabulous Tifa Loved it.

D
Danielle Teleiai 14/08/2023

Awesome stuff Tifa - Mrs Teleiai

J
Jessica Marr 10/08/2023

So proud of you Tifa

D
Deborah Yellowhorse 9/08/2023

Tifa Thank you for sharing your beautiful voice with us.

L
Lynne darroch 8/08/2023

Tifa I loved listening to your voice as you shared the beauty of your life. Well done and thank you.

W
Webb Mate 8/08/2023

Well done Tifa so proud of contributions to this very important kaupapa topic. God bless you

H
Helene Connor 8/08/2023

Kia ora Tifa Your doco life in Me is so positive and affirming. You shine and so does your film Thank you

T
Tyson King 8/08/2023

Thank you Tifa for sharing this part of your life with us.

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