Boss Cat – Q&A Screening

Be among the first to see Boss Cat ahead of its national cinema release on Thursday 3 December (the International Day of People with Disability!).

Twenty-three-year-old Sonja lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and must fight for her independence following the tragic loss of her mother. Her estranged grandmother, Doris, becomes the guardian to Sonja and her younger sister, Emma. But when Doris tries to sell the family home and uproot their lives, Sonja defends her right to her home, lifestyle, friends and boyfriend, Michael. Inspired by her new friend Hakim, Sonja stands up to Doris by expressing herself through krump dance to release frustration.

This special preview screening on Tuesday 24 November will be followed by a live Q&A featuring Sarah Barton (Fertile Films), Alisha Mehra (Bus Stop Films), moderated by Flick Ford (Triple R) and MC’d by Priya Addams Williams (Dylan Alcott Foundation). 

SPEAKER BIOS

• Sarah Barton is an award-winning filmmaker and director at Fertile Films, with more than 30 years of experience creating films that explore disability, human rights and social inclusion. She directed Defiant Lives, a powerful documentary chronicling the rise of the disability rights movement in Australia, the UK and the US, bringing the stories and achievements of disability activists to a wider audience. Through her filmmaking, Sarah is passionate about challenging stereotypes, amplifying the voices of people with disability and championing a more inclusive and equitable society.
• Alisha Mehra is a talented filmmaker and producer with Bus Stop Films, passionate about using storytelling to spark meaningful conversations and bring diverse perspectives to the screen. Through her work, Alisha is passionate about championing authentic representation, amplifying the voices of people with disability and challenging stereotypes through film and storytelling. She is committed to building a more inclusive film industry where people of all abilities have the opportunity to participate, share their stories and see themselves portrayed on screen. 
• Flick Ford is a film presenter, broadcaster and producer who hosts Primal Screen on Melbourne’s Triple R community radio, bringing a thoughtful and engaging perspective to conversations about film and screen culture. A passionate advocate for disability inclusion and accessibility in the arts, Flick draws on her lived experience of disability to challenge barriers and champion more inclusive creative practices. With her strong interviewing skills, deep knowledge of cinema and ability to engage audiences, Flick brings a depth of knowledge and a commitment to amplifying diverse voices both on and off screen.
• Priya Addams Williams Leads the Shift 20 Initiative at the Dylan Alcott Foundation, driving change in how people with disability are represented in Australian advertising and media. With a background in advertising, and creative communications, she works with industry partners to champion authentic representation and make disability inclusion a meaningful part of creative decision-making. Priya is passionate and committed to challenging stereotypes, increasing visibility and creating a more inclusive media landscape where people with disability are seen, heard and represented.