The short film Loki and Me, which was filmed at the Port of Echuca in June, has won two international awards and featured at the Focus on Ability awards in Sydney.
Craig Wyhoon wrote, produced, directed and acted in the short film that featured a talented group of young leading actors and extras.
“Out of the 39 international film awards we have won to date, the most rewarding categories won are the Best Film in Disability, Best Young Actress and Actor awards for Skye Hope and Daniel Holman and Best Director awards at the Cannes World Film Festival, Las Vegas Movie Awards and Sweden Film Awards in recognition of their talents,” Mr Wyhoon said.
“I’m so proud of our achievements in the last few months.
“But the recognition and the awards must go to the actors and the film crew who all made it possible.”
Mr Wyhoon acknowledged that making a film is a team effort, including support from businesses and volunteers who were involved.
“When I started to write Loki and Me, I had a vision. And that vision was to tell a story in a five-minute short film about inclusion, friendship and hope,” Mr Wyhoon said.
“I wanted to highlight the abilities of individuals with disabilities through a fictional story set in the 1800s.”
Mr Wyhoon was asked what motivated him to write such an incredible story featuring a young cast.
Despite the many roles of the novice filmmaker, Mr Wyhoon persisted in completing the film project.
“Although the writing process was challenging, I found being the producer and director was even more challenging,” Mr Wyhoon said.
“In the end, with a strong team, focus and commitment, we created a wonderful and unique film that now stands as a light for disabled people.”
“As part of Thrive Support Services Film and Drama program, we aim to inspire people with disabilities and to encourage our participants to express their talents and abilities through film and drama.”
And with one film completed and featured at numerous film awards worldwide, what now for the filmmaker?
“After winning the Best Producer award at the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival in Sydney recently, our sights are set on writing and producing a longer short film or feature film that will include actors with disabilities and to collaborate with like-minded producers,” Mr Wyhoon said.
The film ‘Loki and Me’ can be viewed on YouTube, please refer to the link below,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFHaAx01OkU