A man from Northern Ireland has scooped an international film award for highlighting his journey as a young man with a learning disability to now working full-time.
Conor McGinnity, who works and lives in Derry, took home a Top 5 Place award in the International Documentary category of the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival 2022. There were 126 short films entered into the International Category.
Conor starred in the short film - ‘Conor’s story – Making it Work’ - to showcase what it's like to live with a learning disability while securing employment with the support of Mencap NI.
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Conor is now a familiar and popular face on the shop floor in the city's busy Primark store where he works as a sales assistant, helping customers and colleagues alike.
Speaking in the short documentary, Conor said: "Being part of the Primark team gives you satisfaction on the job. It allows you to earn your own freedom. It allows you to make your own choices.
"It allows you to do the best job that you can do, instead of what people can tell you to do."
Celebrations were held in at the Guildhall last week as the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Sandra Duffy presented Conor with a special certificate to mark his international achievement.
She said: “I was delighted to welcome Conor and his family into the Guildhall for an official reception in recognition for all his incredible work over the recent months.
“I’d like to officially congratulate Conor on all his fantastic achievements in not only being a part of this amazing short film, but also being one of the Top 5 Short Films viewed in the International Documentary category at the Focus on Ability Short Films Festival 2022 and I believe his was the only entry from Northern Ireland. This is definitely an accomplishment you should be very proud of”.
Conor’s Story short film was originally produced as part of the “Making It Work” campaign, a partnership between the Equality Commission for NI and Northern Ireland Union of Supported Employment (NIUSE).
Grainne Close, Director of Mencap said “We’re delighted for Conor, his family, and his community. We feel that Conor’s Story captures the essence of the importance of meaningful work and the positive impact this can have on a person’s life.
"We’re so proud Conor agreed to take part in this short film, his story has been shared globally increasing awareness and promoting visibility and representation."
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