MY EYES, a film following a real-life Australian mother and optometrist who seeks a stem cell donor for her daughter with a hereditary eye condition, will debut on 26 May 2025.
FanForce Films has announced the theatrical release of the film that has been inspired by true events and is led by actor/writer/producer Ms Tsu Shan Chambers, also a practising optometrist.
The heartfelt Australian story spotlights the remarkable journey of a mother determined to save her daughter’s eyesight, as well as the broader social impact of living with vision impairment.
“MY EYES follows Alana (played by Chambers), an optometrist whose life is upended when her young daughter is diagnosed with a hereditary eye condition,” a press release announcing the film said.
“Desperate for a stem cell donor, Alana must confront her past – and a life-changing connection to Nico (played by Eduardo Ávila Sánchez), setting in motion a story of family, cultural identity, and resilience.”
Actor Mr Adam Garcia portrays Alana’s devoted husband, Sam, and Ms Kieu Chinh appears as Alana’s protective mother.
Produced by Wise Goat Productions in collaboration with an international creative team, MY EYES aims to highlight social change through its authentic depiction of the vision-impaired community and the power of inclusive storytelling.
The film has attracted support from organisations including Vision Australia, the International Blind Sports Federation, Optometry Australia, and many other social impact partners.
Premiere fundraisers across Australia – tied to the film’s opening week – will help generate awareness and funds for eye health advocacy and disability inclusion initiatives.
“MY EYES is deeply personal to me – growing up with multiple cultural influences, training as an optometrist, and experiencing close connections with people affected by vision loss,” Chambers said.
“It’s a story I’ve wanted to share for years, and I’m overjoyed to finally bring it to audiences in a way that sparks empathy and positive change.”
Garcia, who plays husband Sam, said even though he’s now based in the UK, there was never a doubt in my mind about joining MY EYES.
“The film’s heart and the team’s dedication to representing meaningful stories made it impossible to say no. I’m thrilled for audiences to see the beauty and realism we’ve created,” he said.
Ávila Sánchez said as someone who understands life with a disability, he hoped MY EYES encourages everyone to look past labels and assumptions.
“This film is about celebrating our abilities, our families, and our determination to make every moment count.”
Vision Australia also voiced support, with a spokesperson adding: “Stories like MY EYES are essential in showing the resilience and achievements of people living with
blindness or low vision. We’re proud to see an authentic portrayal on screen and look forward to the impact it will have on raising awareness for eye health.”
MY EYES also features an original track by Australian sensation Dami Im.
Known for her acclaimed run at Eurovision 2016 – where she won semi-final two, secured the top Jury Vote, and finished second overall – Dami Im (also 2013 winner of The X Factor Australia and Compassion Australia ambassador) lends a moving musical backdrop to Alana’s journey of self-discovery.
Early festival appearances, including at the Gold Coast Film Festival, are scheduled prior to the nationwide release on May 26.
A rollout of screenings will follow across Australia and New Zealand, featuring special Q&A events as well as fan screenings, empowering communities to bring MY EYES to their local cinema.
Tickets and more details can be found here.
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