Hey there, my wise friends and welcome to another episode of Collective Wisdom, which this week is with my friend the television and film producer, Kirsty Stark. As you're about to hear, Kirsty has a whole string of award-winning productions to her name, including Stateless, which deals with the plight of millions of refugees around the world who find themselves incarcerated in detention centres. And First Day, the tender and heartfelt drama, which charts the journey of Hannah, a transgender girl as she begins at a brand-new high school. In her new identity as her authentic self, Kirsty's work bridges the gap between fictional stories and real life, often featuring first time actors in roles that reflect their actual experience, which allows them to find their voice and advocate for their community.
 
Ultimately, these are all dramas that get to the heart of what it means to be human. They're all about treating people with the kindness and dignity that you would want to be treated with yourself. And as is so often the way dramas like these can become a pathway to positive change. First Day is now being used in schools in Australia as a way to start conversations and address prejudices before they become deeply ingrained at the heart. It's all about inclusion and belonging. And if you can't be your authentic self in the first place, then it's almost impossible to feel as if you belong. It was a real privilege to get to talk to Kirsty about why she does what she does.
 
Kirsty Start -
https://kirstystark.com/
 
First Day
The BBC own the current rights to show this is the UK but it’s not currently being aired so the only way to see it in the UK is via direct purchase.
 
Season 1 purchase link - https://actf.com.au/catalogue/id/608/first-day-series-1-digital-download
Season 2 purchase link - https://actf.com.au/catalogue/id/640/first-day-series-2-digital-download
https://tiktok.com/@firstdayseries
 
Stateless
https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81206211
https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdayseries/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwFS69nA-1w
 
Wisdom: Ask yourself : “Where can I add value
Song : First Day of my Life by Bright Eyes
 
Video of First Day of my Life by Bright Eyes