On 1 December, the Narellan cinema complex will be buzzing with celebrities and paparazzi for a red carpet short film premiere with a difference. As part of the State Government youth arts initiative ARTStart, residents of the Sylvanvale Foundation group home at Catherine Field produced a short movie about life in Camden. A montage of images, text and music, the film is loosely is based on the experience of local residents.

Sylvanvale Foundation CEO Pauline Stanley said the project was an invaluable experience for all involved. “It provided an opportunity for our residents to use their creativity and also get the chance to use state of the art technology. Plus, they’ve had the chance to work with experienced community artists and be the stars of their own show.”

Some Catherine Field residents also participated in a second ARTStart project which saw them work with members of the Macarthur Disability Service to make two short films. Both projects have been supported by Camden Council and Camden Creative Arts Studio.

The works will be shown in a line up of eight films at the premiere and will form the centerpiece of Camden’s celebrations for International Day for People with a Disability.