Guests gathered at the Moama RSL for a private screening of the locally produced film Blind Freedom.
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The screening was hosted for the cast, crew, sponsors and businesses that helped make the film a reality.
Guests came from as far as Bathurst and Sydney to attend the premiere, alongside many of the cast and crew.
The film, which was brought to life in December last year, was written and directed by Craig Wyhoon.
At the private screening, Mr Wyhoon took the chance to thank people for their contributions to the film, including his granddaughter who inspires his work.
“I'd like to thank everyone who was involved ... the volunteers and the community who played an integral role in this film,” he said.
“Although I have many people to thank, I have one person to thank most of all. That is my granddaughter Ava.
“At four-and-a-half years old, she tells me the most amazing and creative stories, and it's her stories that inspire me to tell mine.”
Blind Freedom is set in rural Australia during the Great Depression and follows the story of two orphaned sisters, Ruby and Molly.
With rations running low, the community is caught between embracing the two sisters or casting them out.
However, when a blind boy suddenly goes missing, the community turns to Ruby to help find him.
Filming began in June last year and was shot in multiple locations throughout Echuca, including Vic Park and the Aquatic Reserve.
Mr Wyhoon also collaborated with Thrive Disability Services to offer community members living with a disability the chance to be part of a film.
Mr Wyhoon said he wanted to give people with disabilities an opportunity to be creative through film.
“It started with an idea, an idea that everyone has the ability to tell a story and everyone should be encouraged to use their imagination and creative minds to share their stories with the world,” he said.
“I’m involved with helping people with disabilities to use their creativity and imagination and share it via film, to push their boundaries and show people what they are truly made of.
“It’s about giving opportunities and, look, people don’t know what they are able to achieve until they actually give it a go and that’s what this is all about.”
The film has received a number of nominations at independent film festivals across the globe.
While it is not on the cards for the near future, the film could also become a feature film later down the track.
The film was made possible with the support of Bowser Bean, Kiwanis, Echuca Meats, Moama Bakery, Cadell Trading, Murray River Houseboats, Echuca Frozen Foods, The Pear Tree, Great Aussie Beer Shed and Office Choice-Printing.