Redcliffe actor Olivia Hargroder, 27, was cast in the lead role of Sonja in Boss Cat, the first feature film from Bus Stop Films, ABC's Australian Story reported on Sunday (1 November). The film opens in Australian cinemas on Thursday (3 December), the International Day of People with Disability.

"When they asked me to audition for Boss Cat, it was actually an incredible feeling to have because I've never been a lead in a feature before," said Hargroder, who lives in Redcliffe, north of Brisbane. "It was just a dream come true."

A Bus Stop Films media release describes Boss Cat as a new Australian family drama that follows Sonja, a young woman with Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), on her quest for independence, empowerment and identity through the performance of Krump dancing. The film also stars Julia Savage, Penny Downie and Elijah Williams.

In the film's synopsis, after her mother dies, Sonja must campaign against the plans of her estranged grandmother to sell the family home, and channels an explosive temper into Krump dance.

Inclusive Filmmaking Process

Boss Cat was written and directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, the co-founder of Bus Stop Films, and was filmed in the Blue Mountains. The release says it followed an inclusive filmmaking process and calls it the world's first inclusively made feature film. Screen Australia made a major production investment, and Madman Entertainment is distributing the film in Australia and New Zealand.

Hargroder started acting with Bus Stop Films in 2021. The ABC describes it as a disability-led organisation that works with about 250 young adults with intellectual disability, autism or Down syndrome. She earlier studied for one year at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) Open Young Actor's Studio, and has addressed the United Nations in New York on World Down Syndrome Day.

"Basically, the brief was 'be a pop star' and own that bus," Clay-Smith said of one scene. "And Olivia brought the attitude; she really channelled pop star vibes that day."

"I hope that she gets to do more amazing performances that draw in audiences, captivate people, and that satisfy her and fulfil her as an actress," Clay-Smith said.

Q&A Screening in Brisbane

Boss Cat premiered at the Sydney Film Festival in June. The Bus Stop Films production page lists a Q&A screening with director Genevieve Clay-Smith and star Olivia Hargroder at Palace Barracks Brisbane on Wednesday (2 December) at 6pm.

The Palace Cinemas listing gives a release date of Thursday, 3 December 2026 and a running time of 99 minutes.

Hargroder's story features in the Australian Story episode Bring it On! on ABC TV and ABC iview on Monday (2 November). Her longest-held dream, she told the program, is to dance on Broadway in musicals.

"I would say, 'Give people with Down syndrome a red hot go'," Hargroder said.