Stills
2 frames
Still in the running. Winner announced at Awards Night, 19 September 2026.
Part of this film's cast or crew? Let us know to add or correct credits, genres or details. Filmmaker sign-in opens with the claim email at Awards Night, 19 September 2026.
Credits
Written by
Produced by
Starring
Synopsis
A mother and her autistic son face an emotional crossroads as a neighbour's call to police forces them to confront their fears, love, and the possibility of separation.
On the nomination
I didn't think my performance would be this well received. I faltered.
Director's Statement
The Impossible Decision was born from a desire to explore the lived experiences of autistic adults and their families with honesty, empathy, and care. As a neurodivergent filmmaker myself, I wanted to ensure the story was grounded in authenticity, not dramatized trauma. Every creative choice, from script to casting, was informed by research, consultation with autistic individuals, and collaboration with disabled and neurodivergent crew members. Casting James Coogan, an autistic actor, and involving my students with ASD in shaping the story allowed us to represent autistic experiences with nuance and respect. My aim as a director was to create a safe, empowering environment on set, where voices with lived experience could guide the story and flourish creatively. Ultimately, this film is a reflection of real lives, challenges, and love - told thoughtfully, with empathy, and with the hope of fostering understanding for audiences who may never have experienced these realities firsthand.
What makes this one special
- Nominated in 2 AFIN categoriesBest Australian Supporting Performance · Best Australian Lead Performance
Director's Biography
Rebecca Kirwan Director
Rebecca Kirwan, an award-winning filmmaker with a profound appreciation for powerful storytelling and meaningful connections. With over a decade of experience behind the camera, Rebecca’s passion for telling impactful, life-changing stories has become the driving force of her career. A journey that began with Rebecca as a young stage actress and writer blossomed into a formidable filmmaking career. In 2010, she graduated from the renowned Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), earning a Graduate Certificate in Documentary Film. Fueling her fervour for unearthing new and diverse narratives, Rebecca ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing her own production company and thriving as a freelance filmmaker. In 2019, Rebecca embarked on a transformative chapter in New York, gaining invaluable experience as a director and producer while forging connections with esteemed professionals in the US film and television industry. Complementing her hands-on experience, she furthered her education, earning a Professional Certificate in Advanced Digital Filmmaking from the New York Digital Film Academy. Rebecca’s portfolio is a testament to her versatility, spanning narrative, documentary, non-profit projects, educational topics, and corporate entities. Rebecca is not only a director, but she also produces her own work, and often aides independent projects as an impact producer. With this role, Rebecca works to define the film’s message and understand who the audience will be. Outside of her professional endeavours, Rebecca dedicates her free time to mentoring aspiring filmmakers, imparting her expertise to help them craft films with sincerity and truth. Returning to Australia in 2021, Rebecca seized the opportunity to share her passion for filmmaking as a tutor at Bus Stop Films. Now in her third year as a tutor and director at the organisation, she remains deeply passionate about empowering emerging talents within the film industry. Rebecca Kirwan is not just an award-winning filmmaker; she is a storyteller whose films are created with heart and authenticity. Through an intimate lens, she weaves stories that effortlessly traverse different worlds, confronting issues such as women’s rights, equality, diversity, disability, and mental health. Witnessing the transformative impact of film on changing perceptions and lives, Rebecca is dedicated to creating narratives that forge connections and inspire positive change.
Official laurels
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Nominee toolkit
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The Impossible Decision was an official Nominee for Best Australian Supporting Performance and Best Australian Lead Performance at the AFIN International Film Festival 2026, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.
Add it to IMDb
IMDb adds festival awards from the festival's event page, not from your film's page.
- Open the AFIN International Film Festival event page on IMDb and choose the 2026 edition.
- Choose Edit (contribute), then Awards, and add your film under the category (Best Australian Supporting Performance and Best Australian Lead Performance) with the outcome shown on your laurels above.
- Submit. IMDb reviews it and publishes it to the event page and to your film's page.
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