Short films explore diversity of youth

UNDERSTANDING the challenges young people of diverse cultural backgrounds can face was key to a screening of short films this week.

Funded by the Ballarat Foundation, See Me, Hear Me, Know Me was presented by the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) at Barkly Square on Tuesday 16 June.

The event screened three short films, team leader Shiree Pilkinton said, that put the spotlight on young people and their lived experiences.

Diana Paez created the films working alongside CMY young people as storytellers.

Pilkinton said it was important to show that a blanket approach when dealing with youth from diverse backgrounds was not enough.

“We’re encouraging organisations, community groups, volunteers, anyone who works with young people to dig a bit deeper,” she said.

“To really try to develop a much greater understanding of the additional barriers that people can face.

“How often it’s really just a very small step, a very small sign to show support and respect for difference that can make all the difference for someone trying to settle into a new life in Ballarat.”

Pilkinton said the stories were very different, and their storytellers a mix of people from refugee and migrant backgrounds.

“They share stories about some of the challenges and barriers they face, or that they’re overcoming,” she said.

“There’s a theme of resilience. There’s a lot about courage, what it takes to keep trying to move forward and encouraging people to walk alongside you and to learn from you.”

The project also included a digital resource pack to generate conversations in the community. The pack provides a link to the films and culturally appropriate information such as definitions, facts, insights and statistics.

To receive the pack, email [email protected]