Former host Miguel Maestre has taken on an ambassadorial role for Bus Stop Films, a non-profit social enterprise led by people with disabilities.
Winner of the 2023 SPA Award for Breakthrough Business of the Year, Bus Stop Films uses cinema to raise the profile of people with disabilities on both sides of the camera.
Maestre made an appearance in their film Institution, set in a commercial kitchen. The Julian Neuhaus-directed film also stars up-and-coming actor Ashley Khule, who lives with Down syndrome, participates in Bus Stop’s Accessible Film Studies Program at the Australian Film Television and Radio School.
Miguel said: Working with Bus Stop Films on Institution it was one of the most surprising and rewarding experiences of my media career. Bus Stop is showing the world how we, the media and screen industries, can be kinder and more creative, something I’m very passionate about. I am so honored to be aboard the bus and look forward to making more amazing films with them.”
“I am thrilled that Miguel has accepted an ongoing role with Bus Stop Films as an ambassador. The experience of working with Bus Stop students had such a profound impact on Miguel that it inspired him to work together with USE to further our ambition for a more inclusive film industry and greater representation and employment of people with disability in film and TV across Australia and around the world. We loved the energy and passion Miguel brought to our set and look forward to continuing to work with him, changing lives and minds through filmmaking,” said Tracey Corbin-Matchett, CEO of Bus Stop Films.
“Institution it has been entered into several film festivals in Spain and Australia and we can’t wait to see Miguel walk the red carpet with our attendees and celebrate cinema, inclusion and a beautiful connection between culture, community and creativity.
