Variety WA was thrilled to have Variety families attend an exclusive screening of the inspiring and uplifting Disney Original movie, Out of My Mind, on Friday 24 January.
Held at The Hub at Bentley Technology Park in Perth, the free, inclusive, private showing included more than 130 attendees for an afternoon matinee.
Based on the bestselling novel by Sharon M. Draper, Out of My Mind is the story of Melody Brooks, a sixth grader with cerebral palsy, who has a quick wit and a sharp mind, but because she is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair, she is not given the same opportunities as her classmates.
When a young educator notices her student’s untapped potential and Melody starts to participate in mainstream education, Melody shows that what she has to say is more important than how she says it.
The film stars newcomer Phoebe-Rae Taylor as Melody, alongside acclaimed actors Rosemarie DeWitt, Luke Kirby, Michael Chernus, Courtney Taylor and Judith Light. Jennifer Aniston portrays Melody’s inner voice.
Variety WA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Chatterton said the film helps to share the struggle and the resilience of children living with disability: “We are really grateful that Disney has told this incredible story of the difference Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) devices can make to a child’s life.
“Getting a film like this into the mainstream consciousness will really help people to understand the challenges that can face kids with disability and the need for more tailored programs such as the Variety Motor Mouth Camp.
“Motor Mouth Camp is a three-day therapy camp created to assist children who have complex communication needs and use AAC devices to express themselves.
“We really want to thank The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand for allowing us to show the film to our Variety families,” he said.
The film showing is the first event in Variety WA’s unique, community focused calendar of events in 2025. Out of My Mind is now streaming on Disney+.
More Information: Watch Out of My Mind – now streaming on Disney+.
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