VIDEO: Local film puts ADHD in the spotlight

A locally-produced film shines the light on a local hero, Okanagan Symphony Orchestra Conductor and Music Director Rosemary Thomson.

But more importantly, it focuses on how she had conducted herself, with the added challenge of living with a neuro-disorder.

It's called Shiny Objects – The Conductor with ADHD.

For filmmaker Gillie Richards, the process has been a personal revelation as well.

"It was a life-changer for me," she said.

Richards was diagnosed with the same disorder. ADHD while making the film.

"It's classified or it's called a disorder, but there's a lot about the condition that is very empowering and accelerates people in their lives if you can figure out how to work with it," she explained.

Thomson's diagnosis came not long before the pandemic, which gave her the opportunity to pause and consider it all.

"She decided to dive into her mental health," said Richards, "and figure out what this diagnosis meant and what it meant to her and what she could do with it."

The film came about thanks to a Telus Story Hive grant.

"It was a really intense, wild ride and super fun to make and very, very fascinating," added Richards.

"She's such a perfect example," she said about Thomson. "She's one of the most brilliant women that I know, she's extremely creative, able to think way outside the box, and bring together all sorts of people for incredible projects."

The film premiers at the Kelowna Community Theatre Saturday at 7 pm.

It will be followed by a panel discussion and a question and answer session.

"So if you or someone in your life has a neuro-diversity or has questions," said Richards, "you'll have a chance to talk with the experts."

Proceeds from the event will go to Opera Kelowna, the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, and the Okanagan Youth Okanagan Symphony Orchestra.

Get tickets here.