A celebratory exploration of difference- and not a flicker of inspiration porn in sight! Young people with a disability or chronic illness (including yours truly) might recognise themselves in Zel’s stubbornness, fierce independence and black humour and their families in his loving (but ever-so-slightly overprotective) parents.

Hyena Boy blends a deep appreciation of the healing and redemptive power of first love and friendship with an unflinching- but not gratuitous- look at the physical and psychological tole of child abuse and domestic violence. The fantasy elements enhance rather than detract from the realism, quite literally bringing to life the inescapable bind that Jay finds himself trapped in.