Industry News
‘My Eyes’ Puts Vision, Inclusion and Multicultural Australia Centre Stage Ahead of May Cinematic Release
A compelling new feature film set to hit Australian cinemas this May is shaping up to be more than just a heartfelt drama. My Eyes, a locally produced film inspired by true events, is making waves across the screen sector for its innovative blend of social advocacy, authentic casting, and multicultural storytelling, with a firm spotlight on disability representation and the importance of preventative eye care.
Distributed by FanForce Films and produced by Wise Goat Productions, My Eyes will make its theatrical debut across Australia and New Zealand on 26 May 2025, supported by special Q&A screenings, community-led events and social impact partnerships with national organisations including Vision Australia, Optometry Australia, and the International Blind Sports Federation.
Inclusive Storytelling with Real-World Resonance
The film follows Alana, a Melbourne-based optometrist—played by actor, producer, and real-life optometrist Tsu Shan Chambers—who embarks on a mission to save her daughter’s eyesight after a shocking diagnosis. In her search for a stem cell donor, she reconnects with Nico, a visually impaired judo champion played by Eduardo Ávila Sánchez, a real-life Paralympian and first-time actor. Rounding out the cast are Adam Garcia as Alana’s husband, Sam, and Vietnamese-American legend Kieu Chinh as Alana’s mother.
Director Angela How crafts a deeply intimate visual experience, amplified by cinematographer Matthew Temple and a moving original score by award-winning composer Luna Pan. Notably, the film includes a theme song by Australian music icon Dami Im, adding further star power to its emotional core.
But beyond the surface, My Eyes is an industry-first in many respects. It is female, CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse), and disability-led—both in front of and behind the camera. Its creative development actively involved people from the blind and low-vision communities, including cultural safety officers, accessibility consultants, and medical advisors.
A Personal Mission with Industry Impact
For Chambers, My Eyes is more than a creative endeavour—it’s a personal mission. Inspired by her time volunteering with visually impaired athletes at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics, Chambers said, “It’s a story I’ve wanted to share for years. My hope is that it sparks empathy and positive change in how we see disability and care for eye health”.
As part of a broader campaign aligned with World Sight Day in October and the post-Paris 2024 Paralympic wave, the film's rollout includes impact screenings designed for optometry clinics, schools, advocacy groups, and community leaders to raise awareness of Retinitis Pigmentosa and the realities of vision loss.
“This is cinema with purpose,” Chambers adds. “It’s about showing that family is defined by love, not biology, and that challenges like vision impairment don’t limit potential—they transform it.”
A Model for Inclusive Production
From an industry perspective, My Eyes sets a precedent for inclusion-led production. Its casting of Sánchez—a non-actor with tunnel vision—over sighted A-listers demonstrates a conscious commitment to authenticity, which many in the sector are calling a watershed moment for disability representation in Australian film.
Veteran producer Judi Levine (The Sessions, Falling for Figaro) joined the project to help realise its bold vision. “We knew the story had global potential. What surprised us was how much appetite there is—from funders, audiences, and distributors—for genuine inclusivity at this level of production,” she said.
My Eyes opens nationally on 26 May 2025. Visit https://fan-force.com/films/my-eyes/?ref=ES to book a screening or request a community event.
