Beachmere filmmaker named as finalist in prestigious competition

Above: Lenny Seberry, Nathan Tessman, also known as MC Wheels, with their friend Karli Benson. 

A Beachmere filmmaker has been named as a finalist in the NOVA Employment 2022 Focus On Ability Short Film Awards.

Lenny Seberry spent months making his short film, which highlights the differences of how a disabled person and able-bodied person complete a range of everyday tasks.

Starring in the film is Lenny’s friend Nathan Tessman, also known as MC Wheels – a Sunshine Coast rap artist who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress – and Rachel Westby, Nathan’s friend and support worker.

In the five-minute film, titled A Day in the Life of, Nathan challenges Rachel to a range of tasks which she must do with her limbs taped up to mimic Nathan and his condition.

These tasks included texting on the phone with your nose, laying on the floor and putting a jumper on, skateboarding around an obstacle course, manoeuvring a motorised wheelchair in public and being hand fed at a restaurant.

Speaking to Moreton Daily, Lenny said he was excited to be named as a finalist.

“This is the second time I have entered this competition, so to be named as a finalist, that’s really exciting,” Lenny said.

“I entered the competition last year with another video featuring Nathan and his music, but it didn’t win.

“However, the editor of the festival really liked the film and played it at the screening in front of thousands of people.

“He said he really enjoyed the film and that he thought more people should see it.”

Lenny has been working with Nathan for roughly 10 years, helping to shoot his music videos.

“Nathan is such an inspiration to me – I just love working with him,” Lenny said.

“He has three rap albums and has even played with the likes of Hilltop Hoods.”

Above: Lenny and Nathan have known each other for roughly 10 years. 

Breaking down the stigma of disability

Speaking in the video, Nathan asked Rachel how she felt completing those challenges

“Even though we are friends and mates, you do work in support work, which is your full-time job. So how has this experience broadened your mind on people with disabilities and the work you do with them?” Nathan asked.

“Everyone who is caring for someone should really spend a day in the life, whether its sitting in the wheelchair and seeing what it feels like to be driven around, or just trying to do the things that you do, it’s given me a whole new level of appreciation for you,” Rachel replied.

“I don’t know how you’re so happy all the time.

“Stepping into your shoes, it was frustrating, and I think at one stage I was close to tears out of frustration cause things weren’t happening quick enough or I couldn’t do them like I am used to.”

Nathan said he was glad to have come up with these challenges for the film and would like to encourage other support workers to spend a day in the life of the people they care for.

“If there is anyone out there that is watching this as a support worker, you might want to give it a challenge with your own clients and see how it goes.”

Voting now open

Members of the public will help decide this year’s winner of the film festival, which they can do online on the Focus on Ability website.

Lenny is hoping the Moreton Bay community will rally behind him and vote for him to be named the winner in the Open Entrant Documentaries category.

“I would love it if everyone could jump online and vote for me and Nathan so we can win this year,” Lenny said.

“If we get the most online votes, we could win a $5000 cash prize courtesy of Australia Post, which will go towards a new vehicle for Nathan."

You can view Lenny’s video here.

Voting is now open and closes on August 30.