Taking a positive look at visual impairment, rather than focusing on it as a disability, “Coyote Ugly” star Adam Garcia joins producer and actor Tsu Shan Chambers in the lead roles of “My Eyes,” a drama film now shooting in Melbourne, Australia.
When optometrist Alana discovers her daughter has a rare inherited eye disease, she must look into her past to realize her vision for the future. She discovers that a judo athlete with a visual impairment halfway across the world may hold the answers she seeks. But old truths make the task of saving her daughter’s sight an uncomfortable and marriage-threatening mission.
Joining Garcia and Chanbers in the cast are gold medal Judo champion Eduardo Ávila Sánchez and young newcomer Nia Rush.
The story was inspired by incidents that emerged during Chambers time as an optometry student and while volunteering at the 2000 Paralympic Games.
“[We are] approaching the story and filmmaking process with an emphasis on ability and inclusion rather than disability, the project involves many vision-impaired team members both in front of and behind the camera,” said Chambers.
Chambers (“Suka,” “Unsound”) and Judi Levine (“How to Please a Woman,” “Falling for Figaro”) are set a producers. The film is being directed by Angela How (“Bullied”). The screenplay was written by Chambers, How and Ade Djajamihardja.
“My Eyes” is produced by Wise Goat Productions in partnership with Such Much Films. Mark Lazarus (“Guardians of the Tomb,” “Jungle”) and Heather Ogilvie (“Accidents Happen,” “Hey Hey It’s Esther Blueburger”) serve as executive producers. Distribution in Australia will be handled in 2024 by Pivot Pictures.
The film received development support from VicScreen, the Victoria state film support body. It also received support from eye health organizations such as Vision Australia, Optometry Australia, the International Blind Sports Federation, the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists, Guide Dogs, Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria and the International Judo Federation.
“It’s exciting to be working back home in Australia on this heartfelt family drama. This is a wonderful opportunity to share an authentic story about unconditional love, with a focus on ability and inclusion. I can’t wait for audiences to go on this journey,” said Garcia.